During a March 16th meeting, the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission approved the 2026 medical fee schedule and formed an Independent Medical Examination (IME) subcommittee.

IME fee caps were discussed but not adopted as part of the 2026 fee schedule. Instead, the newly formed IME subcommittee will evaluate concerns related to escalating costs and practices, including fees reaching $3,000–$4,000, delays in care tied to payment practices, and duplicative or inappropriate IME use.

The 2026 fee schedule maintains the current conversion factors of $52.00 for medical services and $32.85 for anesthesia, updates Evaluation and Management policies, and revises CPT and HCPCS codes. The fee schedule becomes effective April 1, 2026, and is available for purchase through FAIRHealth.

The formation of an IME subcommittee signals continued Commission review of IME costs and practices, which may result in future policy changes.