Medical Providers Workers’ Compensation Training
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (MPWCT)

1. Why was the program developed?
2. Who should go through the program?
3. Why must a support person complete the program?
4. What kind of database or network are you developing?
5. What are the course requirements?
6. What are the topics covered?
7. What are the program benefits?
8. What are the recertification requirements?
9. What is the cost of the program?
10. What if I already have my CWCP designation?

 

1. Why was the program developed?

The program was developed by a collaborative effort of the Education Committee, The Medical Committee, and the Licensure and Self Insurance Committee at the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation to increase the medical providers understanding of Georgia’s workers’ compensation system. In recent years, many stakeholders in the workers’ compensation arena have agreed there is a direct connection between the overall quality of our workers’ compensation system and the quality of the medical care provided to injured workers. The Medical Provider Workers’ Compensation Training program was developed to provide medical providers with a better understanding of the Workers’ Compensation Act and the responsibilities of all participants in the workers’ compensation system. While the information contained in the program is meant to be a resource for medical providers, it is not intended to change the role of the provider, which is to render high quality and impartial treatment to injured workers.

2. Who should go through the program?

 For a physician to successfully complete the program they, themselves must complete the program and, in addition, have someone working in a support capacity (work comp manager, office manager, PA, MA) also complete the program.

3. Why must a support person go through the program?

One of the goals of the program is to improve communication between medical providers and claims adjusters. In order to accomplish this goal we are developing a data base of medical providers (by provider (not practice). Given that much of the correspondence with adjusters is with personnel other than the physician in a physician’s office we want to have someone as the contact person that has been through the training program.

4. What kind of database are you developing?

We are developing a database or network that adjusters and employers can utilize to search for a provider in a specific specialty and a specific area to populate their Official Notices (Posted Panel of Physicians). This network will be accessible from the State Board or Workers’ Compensation website and there will not be any access fee. We will be launching this database in the second quarter/2009.

*The list will only signify who has completed the training program and does not certify physicians to handle workers’ compensation claims.

5. What are the course requirements?

We have revamped the course for 2009 and it will be entirely web based to make the program more accessible for physician practices. THAT MEANS YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO ATTEND A LIVE WORKSHOP! You will be required to complete the web based program which will be available on 2/15/09 and you will also have to complete two webinars that will last under 60 minutes each. There will be a recertification requirement each year that will be availabel on-line.

6.   What are the topics covered?

• What is workers’ compensation
• The State Board of Workers’ Compensation
• The legal effect
• Types of benefits
• Catastrophic injuries
• Who are the participants
• What is a compensable claim
• Medical Treatment Under Workers’ Compensation
• Reimbursement for a Medical Claim
• Return to Work
• Board Forms Medical Providers need to be familiar with
• Coding/CPT
• Disability rating
• Use of fee schedule
• How are medical providers involved in the legal system
  1. Depositions
  2. Expert witness
• Doctor Notes and other documentation
• How to put together action plan
• Use of IME’s
• Medical Bill Disputes
• Release of records
• Transportation
• Translation

7. What are the program benefits?

• To promote professionalism
• To improve Communication
• To assist Providers in their billing practices
• To participate in a network where insurers and employers can go to populate their panels

8. What are the continuing education requirements?

The program is a voluntary program but to remain active in the program you must complete the continuing education requirements. The continuing education program will begin in 2010. Participants that completed the pilot class in 2008 will not have a recert requirement in 2009.

9. Cost of the Training Program?

Physicians - $395
Other than Physicians - $250

Annual Recertification -  $195

10. What if I already have my CWCP designation?
We want to encourage everyone to maintain their CWCP designation. If you already have your CWCP designation you can attend this workshop as your CE requirement to maintain your CWCP designation. We will give you a notice showing that you have completed the course and you will be listed in our medical providers data base plus you maintain your CWCP certificate. The cost to attend this workshop will be the same as the standard CWCP recert fee which is ($195 ($175 before 2/15). If you have already attended a workshop to maintain your CWCP designation in 2007 you can satisfy your 2008 recert requirement by attending the pilot class in November. The cost will be $195.

To register go to www.gaworkcomp.net/register
Please note that you can now register for the training and the material will be ready on 2/1/09

For more information please contact Shawn Forristall at 770.880.9688 or email at shawn.forristall@gaworkcomp.net

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