Workers’ Comp

TOA Supports HB 1005’s Efforts to Strengthen Medical Causation Reports

February 7, 2019

TOA issued support for HB 1005 by State Rep. Nicole Collier, which would direct Workers’ Compensation carriers to reimburse physicians for medical causation narrative reports. Bobby Hillert, TOA’s executive director, stated: “The medical causation report is an important tool that helps injured workers receive the care that they need. It is critical to have qualified…

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New Workers’ Compensation Neuromuscular Plan-Based Audit

October 15, 2018

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) announced on October 12, 2018 that it will conduct a plan-based audit for neuromuscular testing. Click here to view details of the plan-based audit. The study will focus on the 10 providers who had the highest number of referrals for neuromuscular testing during the time period…

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TDI-DWC Approves Lumbar Spine Audit Plan

January 26, 2018

Per the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC): On November 20, 2017, The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) solicited and received constructive input from workers’ compensation system participants on the proposed Lumbar Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)  Plan-Based Audit (Plan-Based Audit).  TDI-DWC appreciates the input provided by system…

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TDI-DWC Informal Language Examines Differences Between CARF-Accredited and Non-Accredited Programs

January 22, 2018

The Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) announced that it is accepting comments regarding potential changes to the rules related to Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)-accredited programs. The Workers’ Compensation Research and Evaluation Group recently published a report entitled “Outcome Comparisons of Return to Work Rehabilitation Programs by Accreditation…

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Texas Workers’ Comp Proposes Telemedicine Initiative

October 19, 2017

The Texas Orthopaedic Association responded to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation’s request for comments on a proposal to expand telemedicine services throughout the Texas workers’ comp program. Click here to view the letter.

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Texas Workers’ Comp Proposes New Telemedicine Regulations

September 25, 2017

The Division of Workers’ Compensation is accepting comments on an informal working draft of new 28 Texas Administrative Code §133.30 relating to Telemedicine Services.  This change would allow health care providers to bill and be reimbursed for telemedicine services regardless of where the injured employees are when they receive telemedicine services. Click here to read the…

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Texas Workers’ Comp Proposes Changes to Designated Doctor Program

August 22, 2017

The Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) released an informal work draft on Friday to amend a rule related to the Designated Doctor program.  Comments are due on September 1, 2017. An open records request found that the Designated Doctor program has experienced a 67-percent decrease in the number of physicians participating…

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