CWCI Debuts On-Demand Webinar Training on New Medical Billing Regs

New regulations governing California workers’ compensation medical billing took effect earlier this month requiring medical providers to use standardized forms for billing treatment and diagnostic services as well as standard code sets including National Provider Identifier numbers, and banning balance-forward and incomplete bills, while requiring payers to incorporate certain information in explanations of review (EORs), including new standard Bill Adjustment Reason Codes (BARCs) to explain each adjusted payment or non-payment of a medical bill. Beyond these new requirements, payers should also be preparing for the electronic billing requirements that take effect October 18, 2012.

To help familiarize claims managers, medical billers, bill reviewers and others who deal with workers’ compensation medical treatment billing issues about the new paper billing standards that took effect October 15, and the e-billing standards that take effect next year, the Institute conducted two separate seminars earlier this month. Both of these programs sold out, so CWCI held them again as webinars for those who were unable to attend. The webinars extended the training to additional participants, and because both sessions were taped, we can now offer the following two programs as pay-per-view, on-demand webinars to anyone who still needs to get up to speed on the new requirements: 

 • Webinar I: Rules for Medical Billing & Payment and Standards Specific to Paper Billings Effective 10/15/11 (2.5 hours): Reviews the new rules and guides including standard billing forms, code sets and "Bill Adjustment Reason Codes" that must now be used to bill and adjust paper medical bills.

• Webinar II: E-Billing Standards Effective 10/18/12 (3.25 hours): Covers standards for electronically submitting and responding to medical bills and outlines the preparations necessary for billers, payers and others to meet the 2012 deadline. This more technical program is especially helpful to programmers and tech staff who deal with medical billing and reimbursement, and those responsible for medical security.

Note: Because the first program covers some of the rules that apply to e-billing, it is recommended that Webinar II attendees also attend the 1st program.

The webinars are presented by CWCI Claims and Medical Director Brenda Ramirez and Stacy Jones of Oakland-based SLJ Consulting, both of whom served on the DWC’s Task Force on California e-billing requirements and worked with IAIABC’s Electronic Data Interchange Medical and ProPay Committees to develop national electronic data interchange standards for workers’ compensation, and each session is moderated by CWCI General Counsel Mike McClain. Each individual who registers can qualify for post-designation training hours, and if they convene in a classroom setting with an instructor, can receive credit toward Department of Insurance claims adjuster and medical bill reviewer certification requirements. Tuition for each CWCI member employee who enrolls is $100 per webinar or $150 for both; the rate for nonmembers is $150 per webinar, $250 for both. It’s a great way to train staff without expensive travel or time out of the office, and the on-demand feature allows them to view programs either in part, or in total, anytime within the next two months. For details or to register, go to the Seminar section at www.cwci.org.