Second Opinion Consultations

» Scroll down to see options for a quick informal response.

DOWNLOAD A REQUEST FORM:

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Fill the form on screen and save a digital copy

Instructions for sending digital images:

Instructions for sending digital images

WHAT KINDS of CASES DO OTHER DOCTORS SEND to DR. VLASUK FOR SECOND OPINIONS?

  1. Some doctors send all their cases, for that extra sense of security an expert report in their chart provides.
  2. Many send all their injury cases, in order to solidify documentary evidence.
  3. Most send their questionable cases:
    • unidentified radiopacities or radiolucencies — “Rule out pathology.”
    • odd-looking anatomy — “Rule out fracture or anomaly.”
    • delayed response to treatment — “Could I have missed anything?”
    • technical consultation — “What is wrong with my film quality?”

DID YOU KNOW?

  • L&I pays for 2nd opinions on x-rays, CTs, MRIs, etc.
  • No pre-approval is necessary.
  • Must have a legitimate question related to the accepted injury (not routine reading of all films).
  • All billing is handled directly through L&I — just send us the claim number and date of injury (and self-insurer, if applicable)

WHY USE A DACBR — A CHIROPRACTIC  EXPERT?

In addition to a full pathological report, Dr. Vlasuk includes biomechanical concerns of interest to chiropractors.

DACBRs are better qualified by training and experience to interpret spinal x-rays than a medical radiologist.

A 1995 study* compared the performance of 496 health care providers in interpreting x-rays of the lumbosacral spine.   The subjects included general medical radiologists, chiropractic radiologists, skeletal radiologists [MD radiologists specializing in radiology of the skeleton], medical physicians in clinical practice, chiropractic physicians in clinical practice, and a variety of medical and chiropractic residents and students.

The test results of chiropractic radiologists, chiropractic radiology residents, and chiropractic students were significantly better than their medical counterparts, general medical radiologists, medical radiology residents, and medical students.  Chiropractic radiologists arrived at a correct diagnosis in a slightly greater percentage of cases as compared to medical skeletal radiologists.  All types of radiologists, as you might expect, scored better than all types of clinicians, the chiropractic radiologists showing a 2.3 times greater accuracy rate as compared to medical clinicians.

*Taylor JA, Clopton P, Bosch E et al, “Interpretation of Abnormal Lumbosacral Spine Radiographs,” Spine 1995;20;10:1147-1154.

QUICK CONSULT

If you just have a quick question and do not need a formal written report, take a digital photo of your question and submit it via the form below. If you open this page in your mobile browser, the form can also upload pictures from your phone.

If a quick, informal answer is possible, you will receive a rapid response by email.

The fee for this service is approximately $40.00. The bill will be included in the reply to you.

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