Changes to L&I's Medical Testimony Payment Policy
L&I recently published an updated copy of the Medical Testimony payment policy. The rates for providers hasn’t changed in several years and these updated rates are more in line with out-of-state providers who have had a higher rate for many years. Below is a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to that update. If you have other questions, please email us at HPPM@Lni.Wa.Gov
What is the biggest change?
We have increased the reimbursement rates for testimony of in-state doctors, attending ARNPs, and psychologist to $200 per unit (15 minutes). For out-of-state doctors, attending ARNPs, and psychologists, the rate is now $250 per unit. Please note, these rates also apply to medical-legal conferences.
What else changed?
The Fee Schedule for testimony now applies to everyone involved in a workers compensation claim. That means when injured workers, employers, or their legal representatives want to meet with you or take your testimony, you cannot charge them more than is allowed by Chapter 15: Medical Testimony.
What stayed the same?
You cannot require the Department or the Attorney General’s Office to pre-pay for conferences and testimony. However, you can require pre-payment from self-insured employers, State Fund employers, injured workers or their attorneys. You just cannot charge more than what is allowed by Chapter 15: Medical Testimony.
Also, if you treated an injured worker or performed a medical examination, you are required to make yourself reasonably available to meet with a requesting party and have your testimony taken in connection with the claim.
Unit limits and fee caps remain unchanged: 1 unit = 15 minutes. Refer to Chapter 15: Medical Testimony for unit caps per service.
How can I learn about this and other updates to the fee schedule?
Sign up for our Medical Providers News email updates. Annual and periodic updates and corrections to the payment policy and fee schedule updates are published on our website.
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