Opinion ID: 1858821
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether medical expenses were reasonable and necessary?

Text: The State Board of Health and Commercial Union in their cross-appeal assert that the Commission erred in finding that the medical expenses for the cost of injections of pain medication incurred were reasonable and necessary. The defendants rely heavily on the deposition of Dr. Walter Eckman, who stated that the pain medication was not a cure for Ray's back problems and carried the risk of dependency. Dr. Eckman never actually examined Ray, but offered his opinion from an examination of her records. Ray testified that the injections were the only way she could get relief. The shots were given primarily to ease her pain and discomfort. Two doctors, Dr. Jerry Engelberg and Dr. Tommy McDonald, examined Ray and could not understand why her back hurt. However, Dr. Simpson testified that Ray had a chronic back problem and sustained pain; thus the injections of pain medication were necessary. The record supports the Commission's finding by substantial evidence that the injections were reasonable and necessary. Ray was experiencing pain and the injections were administered to provide her with a measure of relief. This assertion on cross-appeal is without merit.