JCC Denies Wegovy for Firefighter's Compensable Hypertension

Carlos Coello, a Fort Lauderdale firefighter with compensable hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, sought authorization and payment for Wegovy and treatment of obesity. His treating cardiologist testified that weight loss on Wegovy improved his blood pressure and heart condition, while the employer/servicing agent disputed that the drug was medically necessary for the compensable conditions.

The JCC credited the employer/servicing agent’s cardiology expert, who testified that Coello’s hypertension could be treated by closer monitoring and adjustment of established blood-pressure medications. The judge found Wegovy was not medically necessary to treat the hypertension or left ventricular hypertrophy and that obesity was not a hindrance to recovery requiring workers’ compensation treatment.

The JCC also found the employer/servicing agent timely denied further obesity treatment within the statutory 120-day period and had not waived its medical-necessity defense. The claims for past and ongoing Wegovy, obesity treatment, attorney’s fees, and costs were denied.

Source: Compensation Order