The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) is offering two separate on-demand webinars to provide training to claims managers, medical billers, bill reviewers and others who deal with California workers’ compensation medical treatment billing issues about the new standards for paper bills that took effect October 1, and the electronic billing standards that take effect October 18, 2012. CWCI presented the live programs to sold-out crowds in Oakland in early October, then in response to ongoing demand, repeated them as webinars which were taped and will be available for the next two months for those who still need to become familiar with the new medical billing standards.

The first webinar runs 2.5 hours and covers the general rules for medical treatment billing and payment, and focuses on the standards specific to paper billings, including a review of the new standard billing forms and "Bill Adjustment Reason Codes" that must be used to explain each adjusted payment or nonpayment of a workers’ compensation medical bill. The second webinar runs 3.25 hours, covering the e-billing standards and outlining the extensive preparations that billers, payers and others will need to undertake in order to meet the 2012 implementation deadline. This more technical program is especially helpful to programmers and tech staff who deal with medical billing and reimbursement, and those responsible for ensuring medical security. Because the general rules for both paper and electronic billing are covered in Webinar I, it is recommended that those who sign up for Webinar II also enroll in the first program.

The programs are 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 is the moderator for the sessions. Individuals who register for a webinar can qualify for post-designation training hours, and if they convene in a classroom setting with an instructor, they can receive credits 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 Seminar section of the Institute’s website at www.cwci.org.