Age of Injury FAQs
What is an Age of Injury Report?
An age of injury report from a Radiologist will review the MRI report and the actual MRI images and relate reported findings to a specific time frame and draw a conclusion whether the
findings described are related or unrelated with the injury.
What kind of conclusions may a claims manager expect from an Age of Injury (AOI) report?
The specially trained radiologist will give an opinion based on the findings of an MRI and knowledge of date of injury in one of three categories.a) Not related to date of injury (DOI)
b) Indeterminate
c) Related to date of injury (DOI)
What percentage will be in the indeterminate category?
Initial experience is less than 10 percent.
Can we provide additional help in the indeterminate category?
Yes, we can further subdivide into:a) Indeterminate, but probably unrelated to date of injury (DOI)
b) Indeterminate, but probably related to date of injury (DOI)So that when completed less than 5 percent of our initial reports will be completely indeterminate.
Can anything else be done in the indeterminate category?
Yes, we can provide a sequential AOI report which will look at multiple studies over a post injury time frame. Frequently, claimants have one or more prior MRI studies before a DOI or have
an undisclosed MRI immediately after a DOI. Many times follow-up MRI studies may be helpful. We will provide guidance on what we believe would be most helpful in determining a relationship
of any particular finding with an injury.
Will this be helpful?
Definitely, we believe insurers want to pay justified claims without delay and to deny unjustified claims without delay. Our AOI report is prompt, reasonable and reliable, and reproducible.
Is our method supported by scientific data?
Yes, our radiologists are all well trained in radiology in general and AOI analysis, specifically. An MRI study is an objective piece of information that will be available unchanged forever. In broad terms, radiologists are familiar with the signs of acute injury and also the signs of chronic changes on imaging exams. Among all radiologists, there will be only a small intraobserver and interobserver variability. Our radiologists are specifically trained so that we can reduce that small variability even further.Please also refer to more detailed information which will
be provided for specific body parts.
What if we disagree with the finding from the primary reporting radiologist?
We understand that while radiologists reading “compensation” MRI exams are in general professional, that at times minimal findings may be overstated.
Are we willing to become involved in legal proceedings?
Yes, we have experience and success in that area. Our goal is to make sure justified claims are paid and unjustified claims are denied. To that end, we are prepared to fully, truthfully and
confidently state our professional opinion, whether in an AOI report, formal or informal deposition, or in the courtroom.
Will you work with IME physicians?
Yes, we believe a comprehensive solution is best. We are a fee based organization and will work in all avenues to ensure appropriate claim management can occur.