AzISKS WORKERS COMPENSATION

Treating work injuries since 1996, Dr. Bailie is a preferred Orthopedic knee and shoulder provider to employees of many large companies, including American Airlines, City of Scottsdale, City of Mesa, City of Chandler, Dignity Health, Intel, Safeway, Scottsdale Healthcare (now Honor Health) and Southwest Airlines,. His prompt assessment, accurate diagnosis and cost-effective treatments minimize missed time from work, decreasing employer costs and financial hardship to the injured worker.

Dr. Bailie treats injured workers at the request of employers, insurance carriers, the injured worker directly and attorneys. He is respected for his treatment of industrial related injuries, not only for his medical and surgical skills, but also for his honesty and integrity, which will not allow a causation bias to affect his opinions and recommendations. As with his private patients, he works with his industrial injured patients to decide the best treatment approach, based on the diagnosis and options available.

In Arizona, Worker’s Compensation (industrial) is a “no-fault” system whereby an injured worker receives medical care and benefits regardless of who causes the job- related accident. As there are many rules and regulations that govern the procedure after submitting a claim, and whether or not a claim is accepted, we encourage you to visit www.ica.state.az to understand the process.

As a treating physician, Dr. Bailie will provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss all relevant treatment options so that the injured worker can make a decision regarding their care. However, he cannot comment on causation, as this is a conflict of interest in the care of an established patient. Whether a problem is caused by an on-the-job injury or not is NOT RELEVANT in regards to the care and treatment of the diagnosis, even though it may be very important in determining whether a compensable claim exists.

Most employers require evaluation at an occupational medical clinic prior to referral to a specialist such as Dr. Bailie. It is imperative that causation be established prior to seeing Dr. Bailie to avoid delays in care and ensure good outcomes. In addition, referral to a specialist should be made promptly if a worker has not improved after 7-10 days while under the care of an occupational medicine clinic.

Rest assured that regardless of causation, Dr. Bailie provides the best care available to treat the problem.

If there is a dispute regarding causation, whether medical or legal, the employer or insurance carrier may choose to have the applicant evaluated by an independent medical examiner, in what is termed an IME. This is an independent evaluation by a qualified physician who is tasked to determine the diagnosis, treatment and medical causation of the injury. Dr. Bailie performs IMEs on a regular basis at the request of insurance carriers, employers, attorneys and injured workers. He understands the importance of such exams and does not allow bias of any kind to influence his opinions, regardless of who requests the exam. During these exams, the injured worker is not considered a patient and therefore, the patient-physician relationship is not established. Thus, the law does not allow Dr. Bailie to provide medical advice to the examinee nor discuss his findings or opinions with them directly. All of the medical records and imaging studies are reviewed, a history is taken and exam performed. Opinions are then rendered in a formal report, provided to the requesting party. If further information is required, Dr. Bailie will request and receive the information and subsequently issue an addendum. If there is a dispute, it is typically resolved by an Administrative Law Judge at the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Dr. Bailie testifies at Industrial Commission Hearings regularly to clarify any opinions rendered in his report. Under special circumstances, not withstanding any conflicts of interest, he may be asked to take over care after an IME. This is acceptable if requested by the injured worker and Dr. Bailie agrees to the request. TO SCHEDULE AN IME and RECEIVE THE FEE AGREEMENT AND TERMS OF THE EXAM/PAYMENT, PLEASE CONTACT MICHELLE at 480-264-6095 or 623-521-1116 or at LEGAL@AZISKS.COM. ALL EMAILS WILL BE ANSWERED SAME DAY and ALL CALLS ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY Monday through Friday 9am to 5 pm.