CSOMA: WC Update

[Guest guest]

ACOEM Research Project - Request for Volunteers

and SB-899 Workers Comp Update

 

 

by Connie Taylor, L.Ac., DiplAc.

CSOMA Director, Insurance Chair

 

 

May 14, 2004

 

Greetings CSOMA Members and Colleagues:

CSOMA is collaboratively participating in the Workers Compensation

research guideline committee. This committee has been formulated to

address the ACOEM guidelines to include evidence-based research on

acupuncture. The research team is compiling studies to follow ACOEM GL

categories of conditions listed below. We are requesting volunteers to

join this research team for conditions that are identified as " open " .

• Neck/Upper Back Committee: OPEN

• Shoulder Committee:

• Elbow Committee: OPEN

• Forearm, Wrist, Hand Committee:

• Low Back Committee: OPEN

• Knee Committee: OPEN

• Ankle and Foot Committee: OPEN

• UR Guideline Committee:

• Denial Letter and Rebuttal Committee:

• Acupuncture Physiologic Mech. Of Action/Effects on Pain Committee:

• Liaison with Researchers Committee:

• Critical Analysis of ACOEM GL Committee:

 

Once this research is compiled, it will be utilized in negotiations to

amend the ACOEM guidelines. Additionally, this research database will

be made available for members in good standing who belong to the

associations involved or the individuals contributing research to this

project. Should you like to be involved in this project, please reply

to advocacy. You will be contacted by a CSOMA member as

it relates to your participation.

 

Workers Compensation Update

 

Members of our profession are being seriously harmed by the new ACOEM

Guidelines that were adopted for California Workers Compensation. Some

acupuncturists are closing their offices because of the loss of income.

CSOMA is working with CAOMA and others to gather copies of all

insurance denials, establish recommendations for alternative treatment

guidelines, speaking with key legislators and the Governors' staff

regarding this issue, and establishing a meeting with the

Administrative Director of Workers Compensation, as soon as the new takes her office. Please ask your colleagues and association

members to submit copies of their WC and other insurance claims denials

(EOBs) to CSOMA. Be sure that they black out any patient information to

protect their privacy. CSOMA's fax number is 916-455-0356