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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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(1) The consultant should be asked to provide a rationalized opinion concerning the need<br />

for the surgical procedure, using the following guidelines (also see Exhibit 3):<br />

(a) The surgical procedure must be related to the claimant's accepted condition.<br />

(b) The medical reports must adequately describe the clinical history and<br />

severity <strong>of</strong> the condition, the results <strong>of</strong> the physical examination <strong>of</strong> the claimant, and<br />

the results <strong>of</strong> pertinent diagnostic tests. The presence or absence <strong>of</strong> complications<br />

should also be described.<br />

(c) As appropriate, an adequate trial <strong>of</strong> conservative treatment should have<br />

been attempted prior to the decision to perform surgery.<br />

(d) The history, physical examination, and/or results <strong>of</strong> pertinent diagnostic tests<br />

should support a specific diagnosis.<br />

(e) The diagnosed condition warrants surgical intervention according to current<br />

medical concepts, and the proposed surgical procedure is within the realm <strong>of</strong><br />

accepted medical practice.<br />

(2) The file will be returned to the CE with the consultant's report. If the consultant<br />

agrees that surgery is warranted, the CE will authorize it. If the consultant's opinion is<br />

equivocal or negative, or if it indicates the need for clinical data not present in the file, the<br />

CE should prepare the file for a second opinion examination by formulating appropriate<br />

questions (see Exhibit 4).<br />

(3) When the referral is arranged, the Medical Management Assistant (MMA) will provide<br />

the claimant and the attending doctor with a copy <strong>of</strong> the consultant's opinion which<br />

precipitated the need for the second opinion examination. The usual procedures for<br />

notifying the claimant <strong>of</strong> the second opinion examination will be followed, and the specialist<br />

should also be advised that a copy <strong>of</strong> the report will be furnished to the claimant and the<br />

attending doctor. The specialist should provide a report which contains a clinical history,<br />

results <strong>of</strong> a physical examination, results <strong>of</strong> any diagnostic tests performed, and a reasoned<br />

opinion regarding the appropriateness <strong>of</strong> the proposed surgery.<br />

(4) If the specialist agrees that surgery is warranted, the CE will authorize it.<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 337

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