Dr. Youngblood – Go-to Insurance Expert
Scot Youngblood MD is one the go-to insurance experts in workers compensation cases. I’ve blogged about him before – a lot. For more posts about this doctors, see below.
Here is a unique decision regarding an evaluation by Dr. Youngblood, the case of Williams v Employers Insurance Co of Wausau, Dec. No 21-0106 (November 19, 2021). You can read the decision here: D&O 21-0106.pdf (alaska.gov)
Employee Injured at Work
On November 18, 2020, the Employee reported to his doctor that he injured himself at work lifting and twisting. His job required him to repackage six to seven pallets of soda per day. Each pallet had 81 cases. Each case had two 12-packs. He would bland three cases weight 62 pounds and stack them onto pallets about 54 times a day.
Insurance Company Hired Dr. Youngblood
An MRI revealed a disc protrusion. On March 19, 2021, he was evaluated by Dr. Youngblood upon the Employer’s request. He did not look at the MRI. Regardless he diagnosed a lumbar strain with excessive subjective complaints caused by “age, genetics, and the industrial accident.” It was his opinion that the Employee was medically stable three months after his injury, needed no further treatment, and was clear to return to full duty.
On April 16, 2021, the insurance company denied all benefits based upon Dr. Youngblood’s report. On that same day, he was seen by Dr. Fix who diagnosed a L4/5 disc herniation and recommended a partial discectomy.
Employee Filed Claim
On April 27, 2021, he filed a claim with the Alaska Workers Compensation Board. It went to hearing on November 19, 2021. The Employee’s three physicians agreed that his injury was caused by work. Before November 18, 2020, he did not have radiculopathy (pain running down one leg). An MRI after the event showed a herniated disc. He needed surgery. However, Dr. Youngblood was the lone voice who opined that his condition was merely a strain, had resolved, and did not require future treatment.
The Alaska Workers Compensation Board’s Decision
The Board gave the treating physician’s testimony the greatest weight because they had physically examined the Employee, reviewed the MRI, considered his complaints before giving the radiculopathy diagnosis. They all agreed that his job caused his need for medical treatment and disability, that he was not medically stable, and needed back surgery.
The Board was critical of Dr. Youngblood because he merely conducted a chart review, did not personally examine the Employee, and never looked at the MRI. Dr. Youngblood’s excuse for not looking at the MRI was that he was in a busy clinic and it was the adjuster’s job to provide the MRI to him. The Board held “MRIs are essential in determining muscoskeletal issues.” Further it held “Dr. Youngblood’s commitment to provide an accurate medical opinion is questionable, his opinion is given no weight.”
The Board awarded the Employee temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, medical benefits, and travel benefits.
See More Scot Youngblood MD Posts
"Independent" Evaluations: Scot Youngblood, MD - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
Insurance Defense Doctor: Dr. Scot Youngblood - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
Injured Worker Beats Dr. Youngblood at Hearing - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
Victory in Workers Compensation Case! - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
What Are Your Rights? Find Out Now
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Keenan Powell has practiced Workers Compensation law in the State of Alaska for over 35 years and has dedicated her practice to Workers Compensation representing injured Alaskans handling hundreds of cases. www.keenanpowell.com
All consultations are free. To make an appointment, email: keenan@keenanpowell.com or call: 907 258 7663.