Patient Seeks Independent Medical Examination Following B Read Asbestos Diagnosis

This case study delves into an occupational asbestosis case where a middle-aged individual seeks an independent medical examination (IME) to assess their current health status and future treatment needs.

ByWendy Ketner, M.D.

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Published on March 1, 2024

Doctor reading x ray

Case Overview

This case study focuses on a middle-aged individual who, during their employment, was exposed to particulate matter resulting in an asbestosis diagnosis. The patient's condition has been evaluated through B-reads, a standardized system for interpreting chest radiographs for asbestos-related diseases.

The plaintiff seeks an expert in Pulmonology to conduct an independent medical examination (IME) to assess the patient's current health status and future treatment needs. Additionally, the expert is expected to interpret the findings from the previously performed B-reads.

Questions to the Pulmonology expert and their responses

Q1

How often do you manage the care of patients with asbestosis?

As a board-certified Pulmonary & Critical Care physician with 15 years of post-training experience, I frequently manage patients diagnosed with asbestosis. My role involves diagnosing, treating, and managing these cases effectively.

Q2

Are you willing to perform an in-person IME in a location comparable to Pickens, Mississippi, and interpret the existing B-reads in the coming months?

Yes, I am prepared to conduct an in-person IME. I serve as the medical director for a hospice located in a place similar to Starkville and maintain an office there where I can examine this patient independently. I am also capable of reviewing the B-read reports and evaluating any other imaging or records that may be relevant to this case.

Q3

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate.

Yes, I have reviewed similar cases before. In fact, I have done extensive work related to asbestos exposure for a law firm located in a city akin to Jackson. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights into such cases.

The expert's extensive experience in managing asbestosis cases and their willingness to conduct an IME makes them well-suited for this case. Their previous work on similar asbestos-related cases further strengthens their credibility and ability to provide valuable insights into this case. This case study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of an independent medical examination in occupational asbestosis cases, making it a valuable resource for plaintiff attorneys dealing with similar scenarios.

About the expert

This expert is a highly experienced professional in pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine, with board certifications in internal medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and sleep medicine. They have served as a physician at several medical institutions and currently own a medical consultancy. Additionally, they hold the position of medical director at both a sleep lab and hospice service, demonstrating their extensive expertise relevant to this case study.

Expert headshot

E-1035499

Specialties:

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

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