On November 12th, Healthesystems participated in the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) meeting, which included a preliminary discussion on Independent Medical Exam (IME) fees and the Medical Fee Schedule rates.

Members expressed concern that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services has not updated the fee schedules since 2009, resulting in low reimbursement rates. This issue is especially pronounced for IMEs, emergency services, and occupational medicine. 

Members noted that the Council may need to decide whether – and how – to weigh in, but acknowledged that its legislative advisory role limits its actions to issuing letters of recommendation. The Council did not have sufficient members present to take official action, and so a discussion and vote regarding the Council’s position will take place at next month’s meeting, provided sufficient advisory members are present.

Potential fee schedule changes could affect provider participation, access to care, and claim costs, impacting clients and injured workers.