Opinion ID: 1058552
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Medical Treatment by Dr. Bonati

Text: After obtaining the proceeds from his third-party suit, Hickman consulted Dr. Alfred Bonati, a neurosurgeon who specializes in orthroscopic spinal surgery. Prior to the trial of his workers' compensation claim, Hickman paid $49,103 out of his settlement proceeds for Dr. Bonati's services. Continental was not advised of Hickman's intent to seek treatment from Dr. Bonati and did not authorize these medical expenses. These medical expenses are distinct from the types of medical expenses we have previously discussed. They are not expenses that Continental has previously paid, for which it would be entitled to reimbursement. Moreover, they are unlike the medical expenses addressed in Graves , which were unknown and incalculable at the time of approval of the workers' compensation settlement and hearing concerning the subrogation issue. Although these expenses were unauthorized, the trial court apparently found them to be reasonable and necessary, and Continental does not contest this finding on appeal. As such, Hickman is entitled to have these medical expenses paid by Continental. Upon Continental's payment of these medical expenses to Hickman, however, Continental will be entitled to recover the same amount as part of its subrogation lien under Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-112(c)(1).