Disability Management Services
Independent Medical Evaluation:
Requesting party should forward a referral letter specifying the questions to be answered. The referral letter should specify whether an impairment rating is required if the worker is found to be at MMI (maximum medical improvement), and which edition of the AMA Guide is to be utilized. If no edition is specified, the most recent version will be used (currently digital 6th edition). Records should be organized and in chronological order; poorly collated records will take longer to review and will be invoiced accordingly.
New requesting entities should schedule a phone conversation with Dr. Burress prior to referral. Dr. Burress welcomes referrals from both Plaintiff and Defense Attorneys seeking an earnest and balanced case appraisal.
Fitness for Duty Evaluation:
Dr. Burress will objectively evaluate and opine based on careful risk assessment utilizing the framework of the ADA.
Return to Work Evaluation:
Dr. Burress will utilize his experience as a treating physician and his background in ergonomics and functional assessment to compare the written and/or described job description with the assessed capacity of the worker. He will formulate professional opinions and provide a clear rationale regarding limitations (what the worker cannot do) and restrictions (what the worker should not do).
Delayed Recovery Consultation:
Dr. Burress utilizes the full scope of his expertise to assess determinants of delayed recovery and generates a plan outlining strategy and necessary resources. Because a new treating relationship is often required to follow through on next steps, and secondary referrals may be indicated, Dr. Burress prefers to avail the worker of the expanded resources available through his role as Chief of BBJI OccMed.
Physician Utilization Review Consultation:
Dr. Burress served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Unit part-time as Medical Director/Physician Consultant for 20 years, and has served for 14 years part-time as Medical Director for a monoline WC Insurance carrier, performing record reviews at the request of adjustors on a range of topics.
Adjustor Requested Consultation:
As noted above, Dr. Burress is frequently asked to comment on whether treatment to date or as requested is reasonable and necessary (R&N) and/or causally related.
Medical Directorship:
Dr. Burress has served as Medical Director for various departments, government agencies, insurance-related companies, and utilities. He welcomes inquiries from organizations seeking a part-time Medical Director with the appropriate experience, expertise, and credibility to offer balanced, well-reasoned insights.
Informal Case Discussion:
Dr. Burress enjoys helping others solve problems, especially when the resolution preserves livelihoods for all stakeholders.