CWCI Testimony on WCIS Medical Data

The Institute this week testified at DWC public hearings on proposed changes to regulations governing the collection of medical data for the state-mandated Workers’ Compensation Information System (CCR §§9701–9703). The testimony detailed a number of serious concerns, including:

• DWC’s attempt to add new reporting requirements even though it is still unable to process, store and utilize the data already required
• Inconsistent and unrealistic data collection deadlines
• The lack of an EDI Medical Bill/Payment Report Implementation Guide
• Requirements that insurers submit detailed data elements that are not currently collected that will be difficult – if not impossible – to obtain
• DWC’s inability to safeguard the confidentiality of WCIS data
• The lack of information on WCIS implementation costs and financial accountability
• The state’s inability to process and store data on billions of medical transactions and failure to explain the need for this level of detail

The bottomline messages the Institute delivered to the state at the WCIS hearing:

1. Slow Down
2. Stabilize what you have
3. Demonstrate that it works
4. Deliver reports

BY/