Home | Seminar Schedules & Location | Course Description | Registration

Why the Lotus Seminars?

“What I appreciate the most is the breadth of experience Dr. Chen shared in reference to each of the formula - some of the uses and combinations are new to me and will be helpful in my clinical practice.” L.C.

“I learned many new connections between TCM & Western medication which will help me to mesh both together. Excellent seminars.” M.B.

PERSONAL INJURY PRACTICE FOR ACUPUNCTURISTS

By Eric Chen, Esq., O.M.D., Ph.D.

At some point during our time in practice, most licensed acupuncturists encounter personal injury (PI) cases. PI cases are more complex than the average patient case, in that there is a legal aspect to these cases. But don’t let this stop you from treating this group of patients. Incorporating personal injury cases to your practice is really not as difficult as you think. I will share with you my ten-year experience of dealing with patients, lawyers and insurance companies and let you know how to best treat these patients and be properly compensated for your services.

Below are some tips on how to evaluate personal injury cases. You will learn much more in the class I will give on August 16th in Fullerton, California and at the same time have your legal questions answered.

TIPS ON WHAT TO DO DURING A PATIENT’S FIRST VISIT AND HOW TO EXAMINE AND EVALUATE A CASE

1. Get Detailed Facts as to How the Accident Occurred

Purpose - to document mechanics of injury and to verify liability of accident for possibly accepting a lien.

Example: side-impact vs. rear-impact accidents – studies have shown that side-impact accidents are more likely to cause injuries.

2. Do a Detailed Examination to Document the Injury

Chief Complaints - Separate the complaints that the patient has now as opposed to immediately after the accident. Many injuries and pain do not become apparent until hours or days after an accident.

Type of Injury - soft tissue, fractures, contusions, cuts, bleedings, internal injuries.

Cause of Injury - Did any part of the body hit the inside of the car? I.e., head on headrest or window? Knee on dashboard? Arm or hand on the steering wheel?

Avoid unnecessary recording of unrelated conditions, history, or medical events, such as information about abortions, sexually transmitted diseases, and prior alcohol or drug use.

Avoid unnecessary notations about your patient’s lawyer.

Not necessary to note if the patient was referred by the lawyer.
Not necessary to make notations about phone contacts with lawyer’s office.

Medical records may eventually be shown to lawyers, insurance adjusters, members of a jury, judges, and other healthcare practitioners. These are not private records.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric Chen, Attorney at Law, Doctor of Oriental Medicine

Licensed to practice law in California since 1994 and in Nevada, 1996, Eric Chen received his Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law in 1994. He currently has law offices in both California and Nevada specializing in personal injury, healthcare, medical malpractice, and business litigation. He is also the legal counsel for California Acupuncture Medicine Association (CAMA), California Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CAAOM), and Council of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association (CAOMA).

CLASS BY THE AUTHOR

Personal Injury Practice for Acupuncturists

8/16/08 Fullerton, CA (9 am to 1 pm)

		Click here to sign up for our free eLotus updates. Articles will be emailed to you monthly to enrich your practice.
		Other Articles Available for Download Auricular Acupuncture • Acupuncture • Disorders • Herbs/Herb Drug Interaction/Pharmacological Effects of Herbs • Pulse Diagnosis • Practice Management / Legal Aspects • Others
		Lotus Online Forum Post a question, get an answer; Interact with your colleagues!
		Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine PO Box 92493 City of Industry, CA 91715 www.eLotus.org info@elotus.org