Resources

Although these links will direct you away from the Victims of Crime Medical Care website, please be mindful to keep our information as you will need it for access to doctors and providers willing to treat through California’s Victim Compensation Program.

The following information will get you started with the application for the CA Victim Compensation Program and other services available through them.

California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP): http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov/victims/default.aspx

CalVCP Application: http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov/victims/howtoapply.aspx

VICTIM ASSISTANCE CENTERS - Victim Assistance Centers are located in every county in the State of California. The Victim/Witness Advocates will assist in the completion of the application and can provide information and referrals. Additionally an advocate can:

• Get food, clothing and shelter for victims
• Help a victim file a temporary restraining order
• Provide support by attending court hearing with victims
• Get important information
• Refer victims to additional helpful resources

For information on the Victim Assistance Center in your county go to http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov/victims/localhelp.aspx or call: 800-777-9229

Victim's Rights:
http://ag.ca.gov/victimservices/content/bill_of_rights.php or www.marsyslawforall.org

Glossary of Terms

Orthopedic Evaluations
The physician will examine the patient and document their current medical condition and provide this information to the patient.

Diagnostics
Often before you see a physician for a full medical evaluation, diagnostics may be ordered. This means you may informed that you need to get a MRI, CAT Scan, or X-rays.

Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) is a medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce very detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and all other internal body structures. MRIs are painless.

CAT Scans also known as CT (computerized tomography) scan
Produces clear pictures of structures within the body created by a computer. The computer takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them into pictures on a screen. CAT scanning is painless. Sometimes an iodine-containing contrast material is used.

X-rays
Are used most commonly for viewing the bones. Bones block most of the x-ray particles and will appear white as will any metal that may be in the body. Soft tissue and muscles will appear in shades of gray.

Pain Management
Discography
Is a procedure used to determine if back pain is caused by one or more lumbar discs. It is usually done when the patient has failed other conservative treatments and is considering surgery to treat back pain.

Epidural steroid injection
The word ‘epidural’ refers to a layer of supporting tissue outside the spinal cord. In an epidural a solution of long acting local anaesthetic, long acting ant-inflammatory steroid, and sometimes other pain modifying drugs is injected into the epidural space in the spine.

Facet rhizotomy injection
The purpose of a facet rhizotomy injection is to provide lasting low back pain relief by disabling the sensory nerve that goes to the facet joint.

Spinal Nerve Root Injections
Nerve root block injections are used when a nerve is thought to be inflamed by a disc pressing on it.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Is an injection of local anesthetic onto or near nerves for control of pain. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool to identify and target specific nerves as pain generators.

Sympathetic CRPS Blocks
Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) may develop after an injury to a joint or a limb. This injury is often the result of trauma or surgery. Usually multiple injections are needed to treat CRPS.

Nerve Stimulators
A nerve stimulator supplies electrons to depolarize a nerve. A pain suppressor unit is used to relieve pain by placing patches on the surface of the effected area. The pain suppressor sends electrons to depolarize a nerve or nerves to reduce pain.

Radiofrequency Neurolysis
Radiofrequency nerve destruction is a useful treatment option for certain types of chronic pain including head and neck pain whiplash injury, chronic lumbar facet joint pain. Radiofrequency nerve destruction is now a well-established treatment option and it is performed as an outpatient procedure.

Reconstructive plastic surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct damage done to the body caused by traumatic injuries to the face, facial bone fractures, and 3 rd degree burns. Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to improve function and to restore a person to a more normal appearance.