New York: Board provides training on new guidelines, updates fee schedules

The Workers’ Compensation Board issued a bulletin regarding the training opportunities on the new medical treatment guidelines, which go into effect for dates of service on or after Dec. 1.

The new guidelines change the manner medical care is provided to injured workers for the middle and low back, neck, shoulder, and knee. With few exceptions, all treatment in accordance with the guidelines will be pre-authorized. This is a new process that involves new procedures and new revised forms. The board is encouraging medical providers, insurers, legal professionals, and their staffs to take available training to ensure a smooth transition. Free web-based training is available on the board’s website. Those with questions may call the board’s bureau of health management at (800) 781-2362. For a copy of the bulletin, visit www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/SubjectNos/sn046_445.jsp.

The board also has proposed updates to the medical, podiatry, chiropractic, and psychology fee schedules to be effective Dec. 1. The changes increase the fees for evaluation and management services by 30 percent in the medical fee schedule; change the chiropractic fee schedule to allow for separate billing of treatment modalities rather treating such treatment as part of evaluation and management services; modify the ground rules to be consistent with the medical treatment guidelines that will be in effect as of Dec. 1; adjust for new, modified, and deleted current procedural terminology codes; and change minor typographical clarifications to the previous fee schedules. For information on the proposed rule, visit www.wcb.state.ny.us/content/main/wclaws/Proposed/Proposed_FeeSchedules.jsp.