Can medical providers provide treatment that is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines without obtaining a variance?
No. The Medical Treatment Guidelines are the standard of care in New York State. If one wishes to provide medical treatment that is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines, the treating medical provider must seek a variance from the carrier. If the variance is not approved by the carrier or by the WCB, then the treatment is not authorized and should not be provided.
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?
- If the Medical Treatment Guidelines clearly indicate that a certain procedure is not recommended, is a request for a variance appropriate?
- Can medical providers provide treatment that is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines if they do so for free?
