FREE DOWNLOAD: Mogensen v. Santa Ynez River Water Dist. (Calif. WCAB panel decision) (orthopedic mattress; ACOEM Guidelines)

Dawayne Mogensen v. Santa Ynez River Water District

Medical Treatment—ACOEM Guidelines—Orthopedic Mattresses—WCAB upheld WCJ's finding that applicant/operation technician who suffered injuries to back and neck on 8/8/2001 and during period 1991 to 8/8/2001, was not entitled to reimbursement for orthopedic bed pursuant to award of future medical treatment, as ACOEM Guidelines are silent regarding efficacy of orthopedic beds in treatment of chronic neck or low back pain, and when, despite treating physician's recommendation that applicant be provided with an orthopedically "extra firm mattress" to allow him to sleep more comfortably, WCAB found that orthopedic mattress was not reasonable or necessary medical treatment based upon deposition testimony of agreed medical evaluator indicating that there was no evidence orthopedic mattresses were effective in alleviating back pain, and that he was unaware of any research supporting a particular type of bed for patients, such as applicant, who have undergone cervical and lumbar fusions.

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