by Louis Larres, Esq. and Scott Rountree, JD

I'm sure you've often wondered during a quiet moment alone, "Hey, are these Medical Provider Networks even constitutional?" Or perhaps you've worried, "If I litigate and lose on AOE/COE, have I waived the right to require applicant to treat in my MPN?"

You haven't? Good news! Someone else has wondered about, worried about (and litigated) these issues for you, someone with too much time on his hands.

by Mark Fletcher, Esq.

Don Barthel recently announced that B&B's Rating Services "has literally identified tens of millions of dollars in savings for our clients." Per Don, "PTPs and medical-legal examiners in California continue to misapply the AMA Guides. Whether this represents simple mistakes is not always clear, but the result is.    (continued)

by Donald R. Barthel, Esq.

AME vs. QME? Which approach is preferable? Of course the answer is, "It depends... on many things."

Prior to SB 899, represented cases typically involved either battling QMEs or an AME. Each side selected their own doctor (who, more often than not, would report in a manner reflecting the views of the party who made the referral). Applicant's selected QME was often wildly liberal; the defense physician tended to be more conservative. Alternatively, if the parties wished to "split the baby," one or more AMEs were used.    (continued)

by Donald R. Barthel, Esq.

Congratulations are in order for B&B's Managing Partner, Mark S. Fletcher, and Tahmeena I. Ahmed, the Partner and Managing Attorney for our Tarzana office. Mark recently celebrated his tenth year at B&B. Tahmeena, too, will be celebrating her tenth anniversary with B&B in July.
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¹ Apologies to the band, Ten Years After, who some of you will remember was founded by Alvin Lee and Leo Lyons, and who rocketed to fame on the strength of their breakthrough American appearance at Woodstock and their megahit "I'm Going Home."