News and updates for Medical Providers
L&I moderates panel on evidence based medicine in legal cases (October 17, 2016)
Project Help sponsored a Meeting of the Minds conference on October 6-7, 2016 in Olympia. The conference featured a panel moderated by L&I staff Leah Hole-Marshall and Debra Hatziolouxia. Panelists included attorneys who represent business, labor, and the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals and an expert in evidence based policy, Jane Beyer. The panel discussed use and role of evidence based medicine in workers’ compensation cases. Read the session description.
Coverage decision on Autologous blood/platelet-rich plasma injections (July 27, 2016)
L&I has adopted a Health Technology Clinical Committee coverage determination. Autologous blood/platelet-rich plasma injections is not a covered benefit, effective September 1, 2016.
Coverage decision on Bronchial thermoplasty for asthma (July 27, 2016)
L&I has adopted a Health Technology Clinical Committee coverage determination. Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma is not a covered benefit, effective September 1, 2016.
Coverage decision on Tobacco Cessation Treatment for Surgical Care (June 22, 2016)
A new coverage decision, Tobacco Cessation Treatment for Surgical Care, for WA State Workers’ Compensation has been published and can be found on the Condition and Treatment page. It is effective July 1, 2016 and will be used as part of the Utilization Review process when a surgeon submits a request for surgical care.
The Department’s Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee (IIMAC) developed this tobacco cessation treatment best practice standard for surgical treatment. Providers who are in the department’s Medical Provider Network are required to follow this as it applies to the treatment they provide to injured workers, WAC 296-20-0275.
Coverage decision on Novocure (June 22, 2016)
L&I has adopted a Health Technology Clinical Committee coverage determination on Novocure (Tumor Treating Fields). Novocure is not a covered benefit.
Coverage decision on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy (ECMO) (June 22, 2016)
L&I has adopted a Health Technology Clinical Committee coverage decision on ECMO. ECMO is a covered benefit with conditions, effective on August 1, 2016.
Coverage decision on cardiac stents (June 22, 2016)
L&I has adopted a Health Technology Clinical Committee coverage decision regarding cardiac stents, effective on August 1, 2016.
Surgical Knee Guideline (June 21, 2016)
A new Surgical Knee Guideline for WA State Workers’ Compensation has been published and can be found on the Medical Treatment Guidelines page. It is effective August 1, 2016 and will be used as part of the Utilization Review process when a surgeon submits a request to Qualis Health.
The Department’s Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee and its Surgical Knee Guideline Subcommittee developed this treatment guideline as a best practice standard for surgical treatment of certain knee conditions. Providers who are in the department’s Medical Provider Network are required to follow this guideline as it applies to the treatment they provide to injured workers, WAC 296-20-0275.
The department has published the 2016 edition of the Medical Aid Rules and Fee Schedules. (June 1, 2016)
L&I now offers Direct Deposit - take advantage of the benefits! (April 26, 2016)
- The advantages of direct deposit include faster payment, time savings, and preventing lost or stolen checks.
- It may take up to 30 days for your direct deposit to go into effect. During that time, you should cash any checks that come from L&I.
- To sign up for direct deposit, complete a new Statewide Payee Registration form.
Surgical Knee Guideline
A new Surgical Knee Guideline for WA State Workers’ Compensation is open for public comment (mail, fax, or email) through 5:00pm on Monday, April 11th.
The Department’s Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee and its Surgical Knee Guideline Subcommittee developed this treatment guideline as a best practice standard for surgical treatment of certain knee conditions. Providers who are in the department’s Medical Provider Network are required to follow this guideline as it applies to the treatment they provide to injured workers.
A draft of the Surgical Knee Guideline will be presented to the Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee in an open public meeting on April 28, 2016 (see the L&I website for meeting details). The department’s response to all public comments will be available, and there will be time on the agenda for public testimony. (March 24, 2016)
Lumbar Fusion
There has been an important update to the Lumbar Fusion Guideline from Washington State Labor and Industries effective on March 7, 2016. Lumbar fusion for uncomplicated degenerative disc disease is not a covered benefit. The decision is based on a Health Technology Clinical Committee coverage determination finalized on January 15, 2016. (March 4, 2016)