Melhorn, JM and Ackerman, WE (eds): Guides to the Evaluation of Disease and Injury Causation

Excerpt

Healthcare providers that evaluate or treat injuries and illnesses are frequently asked to opine regarding workplace causation, aggravation, or exacerbation of medical conditions. These types of determinations require an objective review of the pertinent medical information, potential workplace exposures, and alleged mechanisms of injury. Once the medical evidence is gathered, a careful analysis of the data is essential to render an authoritative decision. Most healthcare providers receive very little formal training in disease and injury causality paradigms; however, their opinions are routinely used by administrative entities to determine eligibility for various workers’ compensation and disability benefits. Given this potential gap in provider knowledge and training, the publication of Guides to the Evaluation of Disease and Injury Causation (Guides) could not have been more timely. Stated goals of the Guides include assisting the reader in the evaluation of causation and bridging the gap between occupational and non-occupational evidence-based causation. …