Differences in medical opinions

Medical opinions affect a claim and benefits to the worker. In the case of a discrepancy between medical opinions, WCB-Alberta considers whether:

• The issue is material and substantial to the claim.
• The physicians involved are in possession of the same facts.
• The opinions relate to the same time frame.
• There is a reasonable similarity of expertise between the physicians involved in the medical issue in question.

Where there is a difference of medical opinion, WCB-Alberta will attempt to resolve the difference through other means such as a consultation with the treating physician or an independent medical exam. If the difference remains unresolved, a medical panel (pdf, 209KB) will be considered.