The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) is offering an on-demand webinar to train workers’ compensation claims, legal and medical professionals on the recent changes to the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule that took effect April 20, as well as the new copy service fee schedule that took effect July 1, and the new Return to Work Fund regulations that took effect April 13. CWCI presented the program live on July 15, but recorded the session for those who were unable to attend and for anyone else who may be interested in the program. The Institute is now offering the recorded program as a pay-per-view, on-demand webinar.

The program, “2015 Regulatory Update: The MTUS and Other Recent Regulatory Changes,” focuses primarily on the MTUS regulation, with discussions centering on revisions that were designed to:

–       clarify the role of the MTUS as the primary source of guidance for treating physicians and physician reviewers in evaluating and treating injured workers;

–       establish limited situations in which recommended treatment outside the MTUS may be warranted;

–       provide guidance in searching for appropriate recommendations in treatment guidelines and studies;

–       set requirements for treating and reviewing physicians to support Requests for Authorization and Utilization Review and Independent Medical Review decisions on reasonable and necessary care; and

–       establish the methodology that reviewing physicians should follow to evaluate the quality and strength of evidence used to support competing recommendations.

In addition to reviewing the MTUS changes, the 2.5 hour program also provides detailed discussions on the recently implemented copy service fee schedule and on DIR’s $120 million a year Return to Work Fund, so the material is presented in sections to allow for breaks. Presenters include CWCI’s Claims and Medical Director Brenda Ramirez, Senior Research Associate Stacy Jones and General Counsel Mike McClain.

On-demand webinar registrants will be able to download the handout materials from the program, the information from the seminar slide presentation, and will be able to access to the Q&A summary from the July 15 session. Individuals who register 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 certification requirements. Tuition is $125 for CWCI member company employees, $175 for nonmembers, with group rates for companies enrolling 5 or more employees (call 510-251-9470 for group pricing). It’s a great way to train staff without expensive travel or time out of the office, and the on-demand feature allows the program to be viewed 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.