Can medical providers provide treatment that is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines if they do so for free?
No. As discussed above, the Guidelines and the variance process determine whether medical services are necessary. If they are not necessary, they should not be provided. • If an injured worker has exhausted the amount of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment that is recommended under the Guidelines, and then after a period of time, has an exacerbation of the injury while working, would the injured worker be entitled to the full course of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment as recommended in the Guidelines? The injured worker will be able to get the appropriate treatment he or she needs. The Guidelines do not keep injured workers from receiving necessary medical care if the injury worsens or flares up. The clinical circumstances of the case would determine if the course of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines would restart or be a continuation of ongoing care. Further guidance will be forthcoming. • In the event an injur
Related Questions
- Can medical providers provide treatment that is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines by billing the patients group health plan or charging the patient directly?
- Does a medical provider have an option if he or she believes an injured worker needs treatment that is not consistent with the Guidelines?
- Can medical providers provide treatment that is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines without obtaining a variance?
