Your Medical Records
Being a good patient can be challenging under any circumstances. The challenges can be particularly unique when a mild traumatic brain injury is involved. There are certainly compelling medical issues at play, for certain, but also matters that can have a serious impact on any lawsuit that might be brought. Awareness of these medical/legal issues, and knowing how to handle them, can sometimes make the difference in winning and losing. That difference is often lurking in the content of your doctor’s medical records. How accurate are they? Are they comprehensive? Do your medical records reflect just how difficult your struggle has been? If not dealt with properly, the medical records of your treating physician(s) can create real problems in both your medical treatment and in the financial recovery you’re seeking.
Things You Can Do
First, you need to find the right doctor. Your MTBI needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible so that treatment can start. Family physicians are great for lots of things, but are notoriously poor at diagnosing, much less treating, this type of injury. All too often MTBIs are misdiagnosed leading to improper or inadequate treatment, and inaccurate and distorted medical records. The medical records of your treating physicians are vitally important evidence in your case. They need to correctly reflect a diagnosis of brain injury and what caused it. You need to see a qualified physician, for example, a neurologist, early on. Not all neurologists work with brain injury patients. You will need to find one who does. Fortunately, we know and work with some of the best physicians, clinicians, and therapists in Texas for the treatment of MTBI.
Second, you need to make a list of your symptoms. Once you find the right treating physician, it’s important for that doctor to know, and your medical records to reflect, a detailed listing of all your MTBI symptoms over time. MTBI symptoms very widely and will change during your recovery. Because of the nature of this injury, it may be difficult when you visit your doctor to know and remember each problem you’re having.
