On January 14th, Healthesystems attended the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) meeting, where members approved two advisory letters urging for long‑delayed updates to the medical fee schedule and impartial exam fees.

These letters now advance to the Legislature in hopes of prompting the appropriate agencies to begin the regulatory process after years of stagnation, as the WCAC can recommend but cannot direct agency action.

Both reimbursement structures have remained unchanged for more than a decade, and the letters emphasize that continued inaction is contributing to delays in care and return‑to‑work outcomes.

A representative from the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau, attending as a guest, expressed concern that the medical fee letter could be interpreted as supporting the rate increases referenced in the 2025 Public Consulting Group report, which the Bureau believes lacked sufficient data and stakeholder input. WCAC members clarified that the letter does not recommend any rates and is intended only to prompt movement toward long‑overdue regulatory review.

Any regulatory action will ultimately be taken by the Department of Industrial Relations and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Participating in stakeholder meetings ensures we are aware of potential changes as they develop and allows for engagement throughout the process to help shape clear, sustainable reimbursement policies that support timely treatment for injured workers.