It’s official! OnBoard: Limited Release (OBLR), the first phase of the Board’s new and improved business information system, is now fully rolled out!
OBLR has moved several important paper-based workers’ compensation processes online, improving accuracy, efficiency and ultimately timeliness of benefits for injured workers. Primary initial users include health care providers, payers and medical suppliers.
Starting today, prior authorization requests (PARs) for treatment/testing are now handled through OBLR. The easy-to-use online system will use the information that health care providers enter to determine which of the following PAR types needs to be submitted.
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MTG Confirmation PARs are used to request confirmation from the payer that the procedure or test is based on a correct application of the Board’s New York Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTGs), which was previously done using the Attending Doctor’s Request for Optional Prior Approval and Carrier’s/Employer’s Response (Form MG-1). Note: Prior to the implementation of OBLR, MG-1 forms were optional for both the provider and the payer. With the implementation of OBLR, Confirmation PARs will continue to be optional for the provider, but if submitted, will be mandatory for the payer.
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MTG Variance PARs are used to request authorization for testing or treatment of a body part or condition that varies from the applicable MTGs. This was previously done using the Attending Doctor’s Request for Approval of Variance and Carrier's Response (Form MG-2).
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MTG Special Services PARs are used to request authorization for special service(s), which was previously done using the Attending Doctor’s Request for Authorization and Carrier’s Response (Form C-4AUTH). Note: This process mirrors the MTG Variance PAR process, rather than the Non-MTG Over $1,000 PAR process.
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Non-MTG Over $1,000 PARs are used to request authorization for treatment costing over $1,000 for non-MTG body parts, which was previously done using the Attending Doctor’s Request for Authorization and Carrier’s Response (Form C-4AUTH).
- Non-MTG Under or = $1,000 PARs is a new PAR, used to request authorization for treatment costing $1,000 or less for non-MTG body parts. This PAR type is optional for the health care providers, but a response from the payer is mandatory.
In recent months, the Board has adopted more than a dozen new or updated MTGs. These all become effective today, with Phase Three of OBLR.
The Board has training available on the new and updated MTGs. Each training provides an overview of the General Guideline Principles, diagnoses associated with the body part or condition, as well as diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Each training carries CME credit for the health care provider.
To assist users with OBLR, the Board has compiled useful information, training guides and other resources for key user types, accessible via the following links:
Additionally, the Board is hosting two upcoming Q&A webinars—one for payers and a second session for health care providers—to address any questions about OBLR Phase Three. The links to add to your calendar and join are below.
Phase Three Q&A for Payers
May 10, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Add to your Calendar
Join Webinar
Phase Three Q&A for Health Care Providers
May 11, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Add to your Calendar
Join Webinar
We’re so excited to have completed this final rollout in the implementation of OBLR, and very grateful for the valuable feedback and questions that providers, payers, attorneys and others have given us along the way. This was an important step in the Board’s modernization, and we look forward to sharing many more improvements in the future.
As you continue to navigate the new system, do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
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