If a Workers Compensation Law Judge had previously rendered a decision authorizing ongoing or symptomatic treatment, would the treatment have to follow the Medical Treatment Guidelines?
Yes. The Medical Treatment Guidelines apply to cases with orders for ongoing or symptomatic treatment as necessary. If such treatment is not consistent with the Medical Treatment Guidelines, the carrier may object. If treatment exceeds the amount recommended under the Guidelines, the treating medical provider must show that there is a need for continuing treatment through the variance process. • If a chiropractor is treating an injured worker one day per week prior to December 1, is the chiropractor entitled to treat three times per week on, or after, December 1 as recommended in the Guidelines? Only if three times a week is medically necessary in the treating provider’s professional judgment. As of December 1, 2010, the Medical Treatment Guidelines apply to whatever course of treatment is performed (ie: one time a week, two times a week or three times a week). Medical providers and carriers must follow the Medical Treatment Guidelines and general principles. Therefore, the injured wor
