Jessica slowly limped down the long, white hallway toward the doctor's office. The pain in her back jolted through her with every step, yet she persevered counting down the office suite numbers, "112, 111, 110...." She was looking for Suite 101, the office of a Doctor Pilard, a neurologist that her orthopedist had recommended. Although Jessica hated the idea of having to visit yet another doctor, it was something she had to do.
According to her orthopedist, this doctor should be the last step in getting the verification of injury she needed to continue her case with Worker's Compensation for an injury she suffered at work. She had been in the warehouse, like every other work day, taking inventory in their layaway area. Just as she started, she heard a loud crash and saw the tall shelves falling toward her. Jessica immediately turned to run but was hit by several large boxes that had fallen from the shelves. Fortunately the boxes knocked her away from the falling shelves, so she wasn't crushed, but either the impact of the boxes or the way she landed against the wall did something to her back. After a long ambulance ride, an extended series of x-rays and MRIs, and a heavily sedated sleep she could now move her legs.
A day later she was released from the hospital, but was still in a lot of pain. Her family doctor sent her to an orthopedist who diagnosed some herniated disks. This started her process with Worker's Compensation, which led her to where she needed a neurological consult to confirm the extent of damage to her nerves and spinal column.
Jessica continued her agonizing hike until finally she faced the door into Suite 101. She read the fancy graphics painted on the door: Doctor Leonard Pilard, Neurology. Opening the door, she walked into the office and signed in at the receptionist desk. She was led into a small exam room after a short wait in the reception area. Rather than sit down and then face the agony of standing up, she leaned against the exam table, searching for the position that created the least amount of pain.
In just a few minutes the doctor came in and asked, "Would you like to sit down?"
"No, actually I am comfortable like this."
"Suit yourself," he replied, sitting down and opening a file. "How can I help you today?"
"Doctor Orin, my orthopedist said I needed to come her for a consult, for the Worker's Compensation file."
"Oh, okay," he replied, writing in large, capitol letters in his file: "WORK COMP". He then closed his file, opened a drawer and pulled out a gown and handed it to her. "Go ahead and get undressed, here's a gown. I'll knock on the door to see if you are ready in a few minutes."
"Get undressed?"
"Oh yes, standard exam procedure for the Worker's Comp consults."