Summary
reversing order denying independent medical examination to assess alleged overutilization
Summary of this case from Delgado v. J.C. ConcreteOpinion
Case No. 96-3496.
Opinion filed May 13, 1997.
An appeal from an order entered by Judge of Compensation Claims Donna Remsnyder.
Patrick J. Murphy of Lane, Trohn, Clarke, Bertrand, Vreeland, Jacobsen, P.A., Lakeland, for Appellants.
Larry D. Goldstein of Goldstein Greenberg, St. Petersburg, for Appellee.
Compcare of Florida, Inc., and Florida Preferred Risk appeal an order denying their motion for an independent medical examination to assess alleged overutilization. We find that the employer and its insurance carrier are entitled to the independent medical examination they seek, under section 440.13(5)(a), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1994), which provides:
In any dispute concerning overutilization, medical benefits, compensability, or disability under this chapter, the carrier or the employee may select an independent medical examiner.
Nothing else is before us on this appeal, and nothing is now pending before the judge of compensation claims. There has been no prior independent medical examination by a neurologist, even though the judge of compensation claims has determined that this claimant suffers from seizures.
The order is reversed, with directions that the employer and its insurance carrier be allowed to proceed with an independent medical examination.
BARFIELD, C.J., ERVIN and BENTON, JJ., CONCUR.