I am a physician working in Wyoming who has been involved in the management and evaluation of patients with workers' compensation injury for the last 20 years. During that time, I have seen thousands of patients for plaintiffs and defense concerning issues surrounding workers' compensation injuries.
Over the years, it has become clear to me that observers significantly change the dynamic of the evaluation. It was, therefore, with great interest, that I read the Guides Newsletter article authored by Dr. Robert Barth, “Observation Compromises the Credibility of Evaluation” (July/August 2007). To me the presence of an observer significantly compromised the credibility of the evaluation. Dr. Barth confirmed this observation.
At this time, the majority of my practice consists of evaluating patients for defense firms. Frequently, the plaintiff's attorneys will attempt to inject an observer by videotaping, tape recording...
