Opinion ID: 1886051
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: medical services of dr. cook

Text: The circuit judge found that since the testimony of Dr. Cook was materially different from that of other doctors, then his medical services should be paid for by the employer. [2] The applicable statute here is MCA § 71-3-15(5) (Supp. 1981) which provides: An injured worker who believes that his best interest has been prejudiced by the findings of the physician designated by the employer or carrier shall have the privilege of a medical examination of a physician of his own choosing at the expense of the carrier or employer. Such examination may be had at any time after injury and prior to the closing of the case, provided that the charge shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be paid by the carrier or employer where the previous medical findings are upset, but paid by the employee if previous medical findings are confirmed. Under this section the Administrative Judge denied any payment of services by Dr. Cook, because he found that Dr. Cook was Davis' physician of his own choosing. The full Commission affirmed the Administrative Judge with respect to this issue. Since temporary total disability benefits should have been continued, Dr. Cook's testimony did upset the previous medical findings, and therefore SPC should pay the examination fee up to a limit of $100. See Williamson v. Delta Millworks, Inc., 262 So.2d 183 (Miss. 1972), (where claimant consulted a doctor of his own choosing without advising employer of his decision to do so, and claimant made no demand on employer to provide for operation found necessary by new physician, employer was liable for claimant's examination up to $100, but not for cost of operation even though medical findings were upset).