Life Care Planning: Key Factors for a Strong Case
Does timing of engagement matter?
If a claimant has just begun medical treatment, the long-term prognosis and full scope of injuries may be unknown. As Life Care Planners, we rely heavily on well-documented medical information to create accurate and defensible plans. Having updated medical documentation—and access to treating or consulting physicians who have a clear picture of the claimant’s injuries—allows for the most reliable recommendations. Consistent treatment not only gives clients a better chance at physical and emotional healing but also creates a clear timeline of injury, symptoms, and recovery efforts.
Has the claimant undergone all diagnostics required by their physician in order to determine a clear future plan of care? Are their medical diagnoses relatively stable?
Sometimes, physicians are unable to recommend additional future care because diagnostics are pending. Treaters are usually in a better position to make recommendations once any necessary imaging is complete. There are diagnostic procedures that can help determine the probable benefit of a future procedure or surgery with lasting results. It is important to know how long a physician would like to wait before scheduling a follow-up appointment after the diagnostic procedure in order to evaluate whether the claimant has achieved lasting benefit. Occasionally, claimants have also been placed on medication trials and are required to try them for a period of time prior to a physician being able to determine the extent of benefit.
Has the Life Care Planner been given access to all relevant materials?
Updated medical records are not the only pieces of information that are beneficial when issuing a reliable Life Care Plan. Pre-existing medical records for prior injuries or conditions are also helpful when speaking with providers, as they allow ongoing treatment to be directly connected to the injury sustained in the index event. Depositions of the claimant or treating physicians can further help paint a comprehensive picture.
Does the Life Care Planner have the ability to evaluate the claimant?
Oftentimes, the best way to gather information is directly from the claimant. Secure videoconferencing between the Life Care Planner and the claimant is an effective way for the expert to learn about the index event, identify any missing medical records, assess relevant work history or barriers to employment (in order to determine lost wages or necessary workplace accommodations), and gather information about pre-existing or comorbid conditions. Videoconferencing also allows the expert to observe durable medical equipment or supplies that may need to be replaced in the future, as well as any home modifications that may be required. Sometimes, deadlines do not allow for all diagnostic workups to be completed or all relevant and necessary records to be obtained. In these cases, Life Care Plans are dynamic documents that can be revised as the claimant’s treatment evolves.