Multidisciplinary Assessments

Have you been involved in a motor vehicle accident or been injured in a fall? If you have sustained injuries and you are in the process of an insurance claim, the adjuster, or your personal injury lawyer, may send you for a multidisciplinary assessment. In this blog, we will discuss:

• What is a multidisciplinary assessment?
• What is the initial evaluation?
• What treatments are included?
• What’s the goal?
• How much does the evaluation and treatments cost?
• How will my personal injury lawyer help me during this process?

What is a multidisciplinary assessment?

When you are sent for a multidisciplinary assessment, a group of practitioners that work together, usually at a pain clinic, will assess your injuries in order to prepare a report and treatment plan for you.

The group of practitioners that will work with you may include a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a kinesiologist, a pain specialist, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, a psychologist, a physiatrist or other professional. They each perform an assessment based on their area of expertise.

Participating in a multidisciplinary program can be beneficial to a wide range of people, whether you have suffered from a physical injury, a brain injury, psychological issues, or ongoing chronic pain. The idea is that taking a holistic approach to healing by using multiple disciplines, and having the professionals communicate effectively about your case, will lead to better outcomes for you.

First Step: The Evaluation

The initial evaluation is conducted with the purpose of understanding your individual needs and determining how the multidisciplinary team can help you.  You will undergo an interview and may be required to do a physical evaluation or a mental health assessment. The experts will write a report with their findings and decide which treatments would be of most benefit to you.

The evaluation report will be sent to the person who requested the assessment. If it was requested by an insurance company, it is important that a copy is provided to your personal injury lawyer as well. The report will help your lawyer evaluate your pain level and the impact the accident has had on your life. Your personal injury lawyer will ensure you get the care you need while fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Second Step: Treatments

Following the initial evaluation, you will likely be recommended to undergo a variety of treatments for a specific period of time. These treatments may include physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, psychological treatments, diet and exercise programs – your recommended regimen will be dependent on your individual needs.

Medical follow up visits will be scheduled throughout the program to assess your progress and make sure you are receiving the right types of treatments.

Goal

The multidisciplinary team’s goal is to work with you to improve your physical and mental functions, your self-management of pain, and hopefully have you return to the life you enjoyed prior to your accident. At the very least, they will work towards a reduction of your pain level and pain related medication.

How much will the evaluation cost?

Don’t worry, you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for a multidisciplinary evaluation. If you were sent by your insurance company for an evaluation, your lawyer will make sure that the costs are covered by them. If your lawyer feels it would be in your best interest to undergo a multidisciplinary assessment, the law firm will pay the assessment as a disbursement and will only get reimbursed once you receive a full and fair settlement for your case.

We’re in your corner

At Fidelis Law, our personal injury lawyers are in your corner. If you are dealing with an injury claim and your adjuster sends you for a multidisciplinary assessment, give us a call for a free consultation. We will make sure the assessment is in your best interest and give you peace of mind so you can focus on getting better.