On February 23, 2015, the North Carolina Industrial Commission announced the approval of three administrative rules which significantly revise its Medical Fee Schedule.
The fee schedules are set to begin April 1 and July 1 of this year and could save millions of dollars annually. The legislature in 2013 mandated the changes to the schedule, which in some areas are based on 20-year old Medicare reimbursement rates. The Commission says the changes generally will result in lower payment rates to hospitals but higher ones to doctors and nurses.
One industry study set annual savings at $27 million annually. The Commission also believes that these savings will continue to increase as North Carolina insurance carriers expand their workers’ compensation premium base in response to North Carolina’s growing economy.
The Industrial Commission’s Medical Fee Schedule Rules may be found here. We will be sure to keep you apprised with regard to any other changes to the Medical Fee Schedule as the April 1, 2015 effective date approaches.
MGC's workers' compensation attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have.
This legal update is published as a service to our clients and friends. It is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal advice regarding any specific situation.