General Guideline Principles for Laboratory Testing of
Mid and Low Back Injury for workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Laboratory Testing of Mid and Low Back Injury.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Laboratory Testing

Unless there is a suspicion of a systemic illness, infection, neoplasia, underlying rheumatologic problem, connective tissue disorder, or other findings based on the history and/or physical examination, laboratory testing is rarely recommended at the time of initial evaluation. Laboratory testing can yield valuable diagnostic data.

Among the tests are, but are not restricted to:

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential Recommended – for patients with suspicion of infection, blood dyscrasias, and medication side effects. B.3.ii Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antigen (ANA), human leukocyte antigen (HLA), and Creactive protein (CRP)

Recommended – to detect evidence of a rheumatologic, infection, or connective tissue disorder. B.3.iii Serum calcium, phosphorous, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase Recommended – in select patients with suspicion of metabolic bone disease. B.3.iv Liver and kidney function Recommended – in select patients with prolonged anti-inflammatory use or other medications requiring monitoring. B.3.v Serum Protein Electrophoresis Recommended – to evaluate for multiple myeloma.

1. Complete blood count (CBC) with differential

   Complete blood count (CBC) with differential is recommended for people who may have blood dyscrasias, infections, or pharmaceutical adverse effects.

    

2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antigen (ANA), human leukocyte antigen (HLA), and Creactive protein (CRP)

   Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antigen (ANA), human leukocyte antigen (HLA), and Creactive protein (CRP) are recommended to look for signs of a connective tissue condition, an infection, or rheumatologic disease.

    

3. Serum calcium, phosphorous, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase

   Serum calcium, phosphorous, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase are recommended in a small number of patients who may have metabolic bone disease.

    

4. Liver and kidney function

   Liver and kidney function is recommended in a few people who have used anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time or who need additional prescriptions monitored.

    

5. Serum Protein Electrophoresis

   Serum Protein Electrophoresis is recommended in order to check for multiple myeloma.

What our office can do if you have workers compensation Laboratory Testing of Mid and Low Back Injury

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.