@jdodd81 Thanks. The problem with being a work comp patient is that the company's "expert" doctors are hired to discredit the patient to prevent the legal liability to the company. They don't want their insurance rates to go up because of a claim, and some companies are self funded, so they are actually paying the medical bills out of their pocket. They might be picking a doctor based on a lower cost to them instead of surgical expertise and experience, and you should not let them make that choice for you.

Work comp also has a award for "Loss of use" of the body part that is based on a scale and a percentage of your salary and accrued years of work. They may not offer that to you unless you file the case with your state's board that handles work comp, and you definitely need an attorney for that. The company has already consulted their own attorney about this. A spine injury can also cause problems years down the road. I am an example of that due to a whiplash 20 years ago that caused the resulting disc collapse and bone spurs leading to spinal cord compression and resulting surgery. You have to think of what is best to do now that will give you the best outcome for your future. Also not all doctors are equally skilled, and some cause problems with surgery. That's why I think you have to do your homework before you choose a surgeon to operate. You will live with the outcome of that. You need to fully understand all the details of any surgery you are considering and the risks and benefits, and the success/failure rate for this specific doctor and the hospital. That is published information. Make sure the surgeon does only spine surgeries and find out how many of these procedures they have done, and ask what other procedures exist for this problem, such as fusion or artificial disc replacement. There are some orthopedic surgeons who do a bit of everything, not just spine surgery and as a result have less experience in it.

Ask questions about what will happen if nothing is done with the collapsed L5S1 disc. If it is "bone on bone", it can fuse itself with bony overgrowth and will be stuck in whatever alignment it has and that may not be good. All of that affects your mobility and employability in other jobs in the future. I know that companies can be held responsible for making something worse in a pre-existing condition in a work related injury, and you need an attorney's advice on that. You have to advocate for yourself and your best outcome that is possible because of what you choose to do now. I do know that surgeries at L5S1 are the most difficult place in the spine to fuse because it is bearing all the body weight, and a twist of the spine can cause screws in the hardware and implants to pull out. That is a common reason for a re-operation at the same level. That's also why you should have the best surgeon you can find. The precise angles of how they place the screws (called pedicle screws) and how dense your bone quality and how much bone you have makes a big difference in holding the screws. I have watched several surgeons presenting talks about this online and read some medical literature. I don't think you have to have treatment or surgery from the surgeon your company selected. Yes, they have to evaluate you, but you should be able to pick your surgeon for any procedure. I had my neck spine surgery at Mayo and was very impressed and had great results. 5 local surgeons refused to help me, and having experienced what really great medical care is, I won't go anywhere else except to Mayo if I need further spine surgery. Here's my story and my surgeon. If you have other questions, I'll do my best to answer them. I would highly recommend him if you consider and can come to Mayo. https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/

@jdodd81
Good Morning!
I am so sorry you are going through all of this.
I know how confusing it can become.
I always take notes when I go to these doctors, along with a list of questions with room to right answers.
In addition, I try to take someone with me. A second pair of ears is always helpful.

Now, about Workman's Comp doctor.....
I was hurt at work years ago.
Instead of going to the Workman's Comp doctor my work used, I found my own.
As long as the doctor participates in Workman's Comp, I believe you can us that doctor.
Would you consider changing doctors if you are not happy with the one you are using?
You could do a search for another one.
Just a suggestion.
Have a good day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)