NYS Workers' Compensation Board Announces Payment Adjustments

Dear NYPTA Member, 

On Tuesday, April 17, 2018, the NYS Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) issued a statement indicating that they plan to revise the current WC Medical Fee Schedule. The announcement states that all providers will receive a positive payment adjustment. 

This message is distinctly different from the WCB's 2014 fee schedule initiative which was mandated to be cost-neutral to the system and created potential "winners' and "losers" across provider types, and led to its eventual abandonment.

The new proposal is scheduled to be made public in June, 2018 and will be open to a 60-day public comment period. The WCB's announcement states that they are planning for the new fee schedules to come into effect October 1, 2018. 

Also mentioned in the announcement are potential changes to simplify claims submissions and to recognize additional providers (including physical therapists) as authorized providers within the NYS Workers' Compensation System. You can read the announcement in its entirety here: http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/SubjectNos/sn046_1058.jsp

NYPTA leadership and the Public Policy Committee have already been active in developing a strategy to ensure that physical therapy receives the maximum benefit possible from any fee schedule adjustments. Updates on this process as well as opportunities for member input and participation will be made available as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Michael Mattia, PT, DPT, MH, MSA

NYPTA President

Jake McPherson, PT, DPT, MSCS, NDW

NYPTA Public Policy Committee Chair