As I try to keep this blog updated, I spend part of each day reviewing the search terms that readers are using as they search for information about Minnesota work comp issues. Among the most common search terms I see are searches like this: "The workers' compensation insurance company won't pay for surgery-what can I do?" "The work comp IME doctor says I don't need surgery-can I fight it?" "Who decides if work comp has to pay for my surgery?" This is one of the more common disputes that I deal with on a weekly basis in my work comp practice here in northern Minnesota. Even if your claim has been accepted by the work comp insurance company and they are paying wage loss or other benefits, they still might refuse to pay for a surgery recommended by your treating doctor or specialist. At that point, you really don't have any choice but to hire a lawyer and file a request for a medical conference or hearing. How can the insurance company deny your doctor's surgical recommendation? In general terms, every medical dispute comes down to three factors. The factors are whether the treatment or procedure is: - reasonable, - necessary, and - related to the work injury If the insurance company questions whether the proposed surgery is reasonable, necessary or related to your admitted work injury, they have the legal right to get their own medical opinion before deciding whether to approve the surgery. This medical opinion is called