Court Opinion

ID: 9625798
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 07:51:22.865776+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:06:15.462004
License: Public Domain

DAVISON, C. J.
(dissenting). I am of the opinion that the order of the commission should have been sustained.
85 O.S. 1941 §14 provides that when a claim for medical and nursing services is submitted, it is the duty of the Industrial Commission to approve the same in reasonable and proper manner.
Under the above-cited act the commission has the right to determine the reasonableness of the charges. The Legislature wisely placed this duty on the commission, no doubt having in mind the fact the commissioners are called upon in most every case to study and determine the reasonableness of medical bills. The commissioners are experienced in the determination of proper medical charges.
The question of the reasonableness of the bill was first considered by a trial commissioner, who found that $500 was a fair and reasonable charge and on appeal from such finding and order the commission en banc, after considering the charges', found that the sum of $500 was a fair and reasonable charge for the aggregate services rendered.
Under the record I cannot see where the commission acted unreasonable in fixing the amount allowed. I think the question is one of fact upon which the order of the commission should be final, if supported by competent proof. The record does not indicate that the commission was guilty of any abuse of discretion.
I therefore respectfully dissent.
Mr. Justice O’NEAL authorized me to state that he concurs in the above view.