Dasgasmagas
Junior Member
Arizona: I am a PT working in a SNF. Almost 7 weeks ago now I was struck by a car while cycling and wound up with a fractured clavicle. This put me on medical leave. My facility has been STRUGGLING to find coverage for me. Typical time frame for return to work for heavy lifting after conservative treatment for a fractured clavicle is 7-12 weeks (I have to lift 300+lb patients). 2 weeks ago I went for a follow up at the ortho office and the PA I've been seeing since start of care, in her best clinical judgement, wrote a note to work and filled out disability and medical leave forms for 12 weeks status post date of injury. Two days ago, a physiatrist employed by my company (I am nor never was under her care), calls my orthopedist, and without seeing me or even contacting me, the orthopedist discharges me back to work with no restrictions effective two days ago (mind you this orthopedist has never even seen me face to face). Typically a follow up is required with diagnostic imaging to d/c as there's always variables such as risk for re-injury or malunion. I find out as the physiatrist from my work calls me and tells me she has got great news, that she was able to get me releasedown to work effective immediately. At this point I am still experiencing some discomfort and pain with certain shoulder positions and lifting objects > 20lbs. I told her this and she states that she didn t know, and I need to see him ASAP because she is not sure how him releasing me back to work will affect my STD and medical leave. She had absolutely no business calling him in the first place and he breached HIPPA by spealing to her about my case. In disbelief, I call his office three times and two different front desk people verify that this return to work Note actually exists. I scheduled a follow up with him next Thursday, but seriously, WTF? I also happened to have recorded all conversations and have text messages as well. What do you guys think I should do now and what laws were violated?