Court of Appeals Affirms Award of Alternate Medical Care
In Harris Steel Group v. Botkin , No. 19-0015 (Iowa App. Jan. 9, 2020), claimant was awarded alternate medical care in the face of defendants' contention that the application should not have been granted because the employee refused to attend a defense medical evaluation. The court affirms the award of alternate medical care. Claimant suffered a shoulder injury, as a result of which surgery was ultimately performed. Problems recurred and claimant attempted to obtain care with the treating physician two years after the surgery. The doctor indicated that claimant should determine from the employer whether they would authorize the care. Claimant was scheduled for an evaluation by the defendant, but refused to attend. Subsequently, the employer failed to respond to claimant's written request to authorize care. The agency concluded that defendant could not interfere with treatment by Dr. Mendel and concluded that further treatment with Dr. M...