Orthopedic Surgery Consultation

A surgical causation opinion is a formal medical document produced by the operating or consulting surgeon that specifically addresses whether the patient's surgical procedure was necessitated by injuries sustained in the accident. It distinguishes between accident-related pathology requiring surgical repair (for which the defendant is responsible) and pre-existing degenerative changes (which are not accident-caused). In New York personal injury law, aggravation of a pre-existing condition is compensable — meaning even if the patient had pre-existing degeneration, if the accident aggravated it to the point of requiring surgery, the defendant may be liable for the surgical cost and related damages.

MAIC is a diagnostic and treatment facility — we provide orthopedic evaluation, consultation, and surgical planning, but surgical procedures are performed at appropriate surgical facilities. Our orthopedic surgeons work at affiliated hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in the Bronx and greater New York area. MAIC coordinates the full care pathway including pre-operative documentation, surgical authorization, and post-operative follow-up.

An impairment rating is a formal medical assessment that quantifies the degree of permanent loss of function resulting from an injury. At MAIC, impairment ratings are issued by our orthopedic physicians at maximum medical improvement (MMI) — the point when the patient's condition has stabilized and no further significant improvement is expected with continued treatment. We use the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment and, for No-Fault cases, the NYS WCB guidelines. The impairment rating directly informs the damages calculation for permanency in both civil and WC claims.

Yes. Orthopedic consultations at MAIC are covered under New York State No-Fault insurance when medically indicated. We manage all prior authorization and billing. For No-Fault patients, orthopedic consultation and surgical consultation are covered services. We also accept medical liens for patients without active coverage.

Yes. MAIC's orthopedic surgeons are available for deposition testimony on behalf of their patients. We provide deposition preparation sessions with the referring attorney, written pre-deposition summaries of the key clinical and causation opinions, and sworn testimony at deposition and trial. Our surgeons are experienced in defending their clinical opinions under cross-examination by defense counsel and defense medical experts.