The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) has posted two separate webinars designed to help educate claims managers, medical billers, bill reviewers and others who deal with workers’ compensation medical treatment billing issues in California about the standards for paper bills that took effect October 15, 2011 and the electronic billing standards that take effect October 18, 2012. The Institute presented the programs last fall, and due to continuing demand, decided to offer them again as on-demand webinars for those who were unable to attend.

The first webinar, which runs about 3 hours 15 minutes, reviews the general rules for medical treatment billing and payment, and focuses on the standards specific to paper billings. This session includes a review of the new standard billing forms and "Bill Adjustment Reason Codes" (BARCs) that must now be used to explain each adjusted payment or nonpayment of a workers’ compensation medical bill. The second webinar, which runs for about 4 hours, covers the e-billing standards and outlines the extensive preparations that will be necessary for billers, payors and others to meet the October 2012 implementation deadline. This more technical afternoon program is especially helpful to programmers and technical staff who deal with medical billing and reimbursement matters, and those responsible for ensuring medical security. Because the general rules for both paper and electronic billing are covered in the morning, it is recommended that those participating in the afternoon webinar also participate in the morning program.

The programs were presented by CWCI Claims and Medical Director Brenda Ramirez and Stacy Jones of Oakland-based SLJ Consulting, both of whom served on the Division of Workers’ Compensation’s Task Force on California e-billing requirements and worked with IAIABC’s EDI Medical and ProPay Committees to help develop national EDI standards for workers’ compensation. CWCI General Counsel Mike McClain moderated the sessions. Attendees who register for the webinars can qualify for post-designation training hours, and if they convene in a classroom setting with an instructor, toward the California Department of Insurance claims adjuster and medical bill reviewer certification requirements. Upon request, CWCI will issue certificates to each individual who enrolled. Tuition is $150 per webinar, or $250 for both, with discounts available for employees of CWCI member companies. For details or to register, visit the Institute’s website at www.cwci.org