| Summer 2010
Ralph Wehmer, M.D.
The Doctor Is In:
Ralph Wehmer, M.D.
By David Wylie, Editor
Dr. Wehmer has learned a lot in 25 years of practicing medicine. If he could share just one nugget of wisdom with his patients, it would be this: Prevention is always better than treatment. Dr. Wehmer would have been wise to follow his own advice.
“Last January, I was riding my 12-year-old son’s skateboard,” said Dr. Wehmer. “I had an accident that required 12 hours of surgery and disability until April 2009.”
So, after 25 years of helping people recover from injuries, Dr. Wehmer found himself on the other side of the doctor/patient equation. The experience was difficult, but something positive came of it.
“My employer told me to take my time, get whole and trust that my job would be there when I was well,” said Dr. Wehmer.
That is exactly how the workers’ compensation system is supposed to work, and physicians such as Dr. Wehmer drive the process. In 2007, the Texas Star Network® recognized him as a top provider.
Dr. Wehmer is quick to deflect credit to his colleagues at U.S. HealthWorks. He could have set up shop in Houston or another large market, but that just wouldn’t suit his personality.
“The staff here is like family,” said Dr. Wehmer. “Although we are in different cities, we take pride in supporting each other. Sure, I’ve been grouchy at times, but they’ve never held it against me. That’s what family does.”
Family also looks out for each other’s best interests. With that in mind, Dr. Wehmer has one bit of advice for his Texas Star Network® provider family.
“Sixty-year-old physicians should stay off their kids’ skateboards,” joked Dr. Wehmer.
Vitals:
- Specialty: Family Practice, Occupational Medicine
- Education: University of Texas Medical School-Houston
- Residency: Family Practice, Occupational Medicine
- Experience: 25 years in practice, 16 years in workers’ comp
- Certification: ABFP-Senior Air Medical Examiner-Medical Review Officer
- Practice location: Freeport
- Previous positions: Director-Continental Airlines Clinic at IAH, Private Practice in Bastrop
COMP AT WORK - SUMMER 2010
Degenerative Disc Disease: Is It Work-Related?
Get Paid Fast
The Doctor is In: Ralph Whemer, M.D.
State Increases Medical Fee Guidelines
Reminders