At the Orthopedic and Spine Institute, Dr. Johnston provides comprehensive orthopedic care for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries from motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, slip and falls, and more.
Dr. Johnston and his support staff are dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and making sure that the written record is accurate, understandable and complete.
An IME is an assessment typically requested by an insurance company, employer, attorney, or the courts for legal or insurance purposes. No ongoing care is provided after the IME, and a doctor-patient relationship is not established.
The purpose is to give an impartial evaluation to a third party. A written report is forwarded to the requesting party, usually including a complete review of the patient’s chart, specific injury, past medical history, diagnosis, treatment, causation, and future care needs.
This is a detailed, structured analysis to understand a patient’s medical care, diagnosis, and treatment, intended to provide a clear, concise, and actionable report.
It involves a review of the patient’s history, diagnosis, treatment, effectiveness, and any complications. Analyzed elements include the history of the present illness, progress notes, diagnostic tests, labs, medications, and treatment plans. A summary is then sent to the requesting party.
Technologies including video conferencing, phone calls, and mobile apps which allow our OrthOpinions team to interact with patients remotely.
The ability to communicate with a remote patient provides clarity and context to the medical record review. This can expedite the review process and ensure a more accurate OrthOpinion.
An impairment rating is a medical assessment that quantifies an individual’s physical impairment and the extent of functional loss. It is expressed as a percentage of loss of the injured extremity or of the whole person.
Impairment Ratings are commonly used in workers’ compensation cases, disability claims, and by insurance companies to establish benefits or compensation eligibility. The assessment follows criteria set forth by the AMA 6th Edition Guide to Rating Permanent Physical Impairment.
A second opinion offers a patient either confirmation of their diagnosis and treatment plan or an alternative perspective. This is usually initiated by the patient, their representative, or another healthcare provider.
A doctor-patient relationship is established, and the doctor may provide ongoing care. It is typically sought when facing a major medical decision, dealing with a complex diagnosis, or when there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or treatment. The focus is primarily on patient care.
Dr. Johnston provides his expert OrthOpinions via narrative summaries, affidavits, medical depositions, and courtroom testimony. His attention to detail, vast experience, and knowledge ensures that his assessments withstand critical scrutiny.
Dr. Johnston understands the importance of his physical presence to enhance the understanding and logic behind his OrthOpinions. He strives to be available in any venue to support all parties when necessary.
