Posted: May, 1998
New BWC Medical Treatment Plan Approval Guidelines
Effective June 1, 1998, the BWC has new medical treatment plan approval guidelines. The highlights are:- treatment plan for non-emergency treatment must be submitted to MCO prior to initiating treatment;
- use of C-9 form for presentation of plan is preferred, but another document may be used if it presents at least the same information as the C-9. C-161 Forms will not be sufficient and will be returned with a C-9;
- MCO must review and respond to request within 72 hours or 3 business days. MCO must respond by fax if possible, if MCO cannot respond by fax it must call physician and follow up in writing;
- If MCO needs more information or medical review, MCO has 5 days to make decision from receipt of additional information. If medical review results in decision to alter the plan, such decision must be made within the 5 days;
- If
- the MCO does not timely communicate its decision to the physician, AND
- the treatment plan was completely and correctly documented on an appropriate document, AND
- there is proof of submission to the MCO, AND
- the treatment is for the allowed condition(s), AND
- the claim is payable
- MCO must send copy of
treatment plan,
including the MCO's decision, to BWC for inclusion in claim file.
This information was provided courtesy
of the Ohio
Workers'
Compensation Bulletin.
