title: Cost and outcome analyses on the timing of first independent medical evaluation in patients with work-related lumbosacral sprain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess outcomes for different times to the first independent medical evaluation (IME) for work-related lumbosacral sprain.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 2005 West Virginia workers' compensation claims for "lumbosacral sprain" were used for our analyses. Outcomes included costs, maximal medical improvement status, number of IMEs performed, and the length of temporary total disability. Multiple logistic regression modeling was applied to determine the significance between the timing of first IME and these outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients with a first IME within 101 to 150 days after the injury had the best outcomes, measured by no repeat IMEs, appropriately reaching maximal medical improvement, and decreasing the temporary total disability length and related costs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scheduling the first IME between 101 and 150 days after the injury contained indemnity costs, and shortened the length of disability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. csun@hsc.wvu.edu
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Chuanfang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gerbo
authors.forename: Yaping
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Atkins
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ducatman
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D012447:Sacrum / Q000293:injuries; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D013997:Time Factors; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation