Statutes, codes, and regulations
Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 40 - LABOR AND EMPLOYMENTPart I - Workers' Compensation AdministrationSubpart 2 - Medical Guidelines
Chapter 27 - Utilization Review Procedures
Section I-2715 - Medical Treatment Schedule Authorization and Dispute Resolution

La. Admin. Code tit. 40 § I-2715

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Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
Section I-2715 - Medical Treatment Schedule Authorization and Dispute Resolution
A. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Section to facilitate the management of medical care delivery, assure an orderly and timely process in the resolution of care-related disputes; identify the required medical documentation to be provided to the carrier/self-insured employer to initiate a request for authorization as provided in R.S. 23:1203.1(J); and provide for uniform forms, timeframes, and terms for suspension of prior authorization process, withdrawal of request for authorization, authorization, denial, and dispute resolution in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1.
B. Statutory Provisions
1. Emergency Care
a. In addition to all other utilization review rules and proceduR.S. res, 23:1142 provides that no prior consent by the carrier/self-insured employer is required for any emergency medical procedure or treatment deemed immediately necessary by the treating health care provider. Any health care provider who authorizes or orders diagnostic testing or treatment subsequently held not to have been of an emergency nature shall be responsible for all of the charges incurred in such testing or treatment. Such health care provider shall bear the burden of proving the emergency nature of the diagnostic testing or treatment.
b. Fees for those services of the health care provider held not to have been of an emergency nature shall not be an enforceable obligation against the employee or the employer or the employer's workers' compensation insurer unless the employee and the payor have agreed upon the treatment or diagnostic testing by the health care provider.
2. Non-Emergency Care. In addition to all other utilization review rules and procedures, the law (R.S. 23.1142) establishes a monetary limit for non-emergency medical care. No health care provider shall incur more than a total of $750 in non-emergency diagnostic testing or treatment without the mutual consent of the carrier/self-insured employer and the employee. The statute further provides significant penalties for a carrier's/self-insured employer's arbitrary and capricious refusal to approve necessary care beyond that limit.
3. Medical Treatment Schedule
a. In addition to all other utilization review rules and proceduR.S. res, 23:1203.1 provides that after the promulgation of the medical treatment schedule, medical care, services, and treatment due, pursuant to R.S. 23:1203 et seq., by the employer to the employee shall mean care, services, and treatment in accordance with the medical treatment schedule.
b. Pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(I), medical care, services, and treatment that varies from the promulgated medical treatment schedule shall also be due by the employer when it is demonstrated to the medical director of the Office of Workers' Compensation by a preponderance of the scientific medical evidence, that a variance from the medical treatment schedule is reasonably required to cure or relieve the injured worker from the effects of the injury or occupational disease given the circumstances.
c. Pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(M), with regard to all treatment not covered by the medical treatment schedule, all medical care, services, and treatment shall be in accordance with Subsection D of R.S. 23:1203.1.
d. Except as provided pursuant to D.2, all requests for authorization of care beyond the statutory non-emergency monetary limit of $750 are to be presented to the carrier/self-insured employer. In accordance with these Utilization Review Rules, the carrier/self-insured employer or a utilization review company acting on its behalf shall determine if such request is in accordance with the medical treatment schedule. If the request is denied or approved with modification and the health care provider determines to request a variance from the medical director, then a LWC-WC-1009 shall be filed as provided in Subsection G of this Section.
e. Disputes shall be filed by any aggrieved party on a LWC-WC-1009 within 15 calendar days of receipt of the denial or approval with modification of a request for authorization. The medical director shall render a decision as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 30 calendar days from the date of filing. The decision shall determine whether:
i. the recommended care, services, or treatment is in accordance with the medical treatment schedule; or
ii. a variance from the medical treatment schedule is reasonably required; or
iii. the recommended care, services, or treatment that is not covered by the medical treatment schedule is in accordance with another state's adopted guideline pursuant to Subsection D of R.S. 23:1203.1.
f. In accordance with LAC 40:I.5507.C, any party feeling aggrieved by the R.S. 23:1203.1(J) determination of the medical director shall seek a judicial review by filing a Form LWC-WC-1008 in a workers' compensation district office within 15 calendar days of the date said determination is mailed to the parties. A party filing such appeal must simultaneously notify the other party that an appeal of the medical director's decision has been filed. Upon receipt of the appeal, the workers' compensation judge shall immediately set the matter for an expedited hearing to be held not less than 15 days nor more than 30 calendar days after the receipt of the appeal by the office. The workers' compensation judge shall provide notice of the hearing date to the parties at the same time and in the same manner.
g.R.S. 23:1203.1(J) provides that after a health care provider has submitted to the carrier/self-insured employer the request for authorization and the information required pursuant to this Section, the carrier/self-insured employer shall notify the health care provider of their action on the request within five business days of receipt of the request.
C. Minimum Information for Request of Authorization
1. Initial Request for Authorization. The following criteria are the minimum submission by a health care provider requesting care beyond the statutory non-emergency medical care monetary limit of $750 and will accompany the LWC-WC-1010:
a. history provided to the level of the condition and as provided in the medical treatment schedule;
b. physical findings/clinical tests;
c. documented functional improvements from prior treatment, if applicable;
d. test/imaging results; and
e. treatment plan including services being requested along with the frequency and duration.
2. To make certain that the request for authorization meets the requirements of this Subsection, the health care provider should review the medical treatment schedule for each area(s) of the body to obtain specific detailed information related to the specific services or diagnostic testing that is included in the request. Each section of the medical treatment schedule contains specific recommendations for clinical evaluation, treatment and imaging/testing requirements. The medical treatment guidelines can be viewed on Louisiana's Workforce Commission website. The specific URL is http://www.laworks.net/WorkersComp/OWC_MedicalGuidelines.asp.
3. Subsequent Request for Authorizations. After the initial request for authorization, subsequent requests for additional diagnostic testing or treatment does not require that the healthcare provider meet all of the initial minimum requirements listed above. Subsequent requests require only updates to the information of Subparagraph 1.a-e above. However such updates must demonstrate the patient's current status to document the need for diagnostic testing or additional treatment. A brief history, changes in clinical findings such as orthopedic and neurological tests, and measurements of function with emphasis on the current, specific physical limitations will be important when seeking approval of future care. The general principles of the medical treatment schedule are:
a. the determination of the need to continue treatment is based on functional improvement; and
b. the patient's ability (current capacity) to return to work is needed to assist in disability management.
4. The 1010 form approval may last longer than 30 days, especially if a treatment facility is closed because of COVID-19.
D. Submission and Process for Request for Authorization
1. Except as provided pursuant to D.2., to initiate the request for authorization of care beyond the statutory non-emergency medical care monetary limit of $750 per health care provider, the health care provider shall submit LWC-WC-1010 along with the required information of this Section by fax or email to the carrier/self insured employer.
2. Evaluation and Management Visits
a. The medical treatment schedule provides that a timely routine evaluation and management office visit with the treating physician is required for documentation of functional improvement resulting from previously authorized medical care, service and treatment. A LWC-WC-1010 shall be required to initiate the request for authorization of the first routine evaluation and management office visit that occurs beyond the statutory non-emergency medical care monetary limit of $750 per health care provider. If such routine evaluation and management office visit is approved as medically necessary, a LWC-WC-1010 shall not be required for any subsequent routine evaluation and management office visits with the employee's treating physician within the first year of the accident date not to exceed 12 visits. Any routine evaluation and management office visit that occurred prior to the first submission of a LWC-WC-1010 shall count towards the 12 visits to occur within one year of the accident date. A LWC-WC-1010 shall be required for a routine evaluation and management office visit after the twelfth visit or after one year from date of accident. If approved, an LWC-WC-1010 shall only be required on every fourth routine evaluation and management office visit thereafter. The carrier/self-insured employer may authorize more office visits over a defined period of time.
b. A routine evaluation and management office visit is limited to new and established patient evaluation and management office/outpatient visits, which includes the following Current Procedural Terminology Codes: 99201, 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99211, 99212, 99213, 99214, and 99215.
c. Any medical care, services, or treatment performed at such routine evaluation and management office visit that will be billed as anything other than a routine evaluation and management office visit code shall require pre approval with a request for authorization on a form LWC-WC-1010. Nothing contained in Subparagraph D.2.a of this Section shall prevent the carrier/self insured employer from denying one of the 12 routine evaluation and management office visits to occur within the first year of the accident date for reasons other than medical necessity to include but not be limited to causation, compensability, and medical relatedness. After the first 12 routine evaluation and management office visits or after one year from the date of accident, the carrier/self insured employer may deny as not medically necessary any request for a routine evaluation and management office visit.
3. Authorization for Active Therapeutic Exercise
a. If the carrier/self insured employer determines on an otherwise compensable claim that modifications to a request for authorization on LWC-WC-1010 for active therapeutic exercise is necessary in order for the request for authorization to be in accordance with the medical treatment schedule, said request shall not be approved with modification for a number of treatments less than the minimum "time to produce effect" found in the applicable portion of the medical treatment schedule.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subparagraph 3.a., the carrier/self-insured employer may approve with modification a request for active therapeutic exercise below the minimum "time to produce effect" found in the applicable portion of the medical treatment schedule if the carrier/self-insured employer has already approved active therapeutic exercise beyond the "frequency" and "maximum duration" found in the applicable portion of the medical treatment schedule.
4. The carrier/self-insured employer shall provide to the OWC a fax number and/or email address to be used for purposes of these rules and particularly for LWC-WC-1010 and 1010A. If the fax number and/or email address provided is for a utilization review company contracted with the carrier/self-insured employer, then the carrier/self-insured employer shall provide the name of the utilization review company to the OWC. All carrier/self-insured employer fax numbers and/or email addresses provided to the OWC will be posted on the office's website at www.laworks.net. If the fax number or e-mail address is for a contracted utilization review company, then the OWC will also post on the web the name of the utilization review company. When requesting authorization and sending the LWC-WC-1010 and 1010A, the health care provider shall use the fax number and/or email address found on the OWC website.
5. Pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1, the five business days to act on the request for authorization does not begin for the carrier/self-insured employer until the information of Subsection C and LWC-WC-1010 is received. In the absence of the submission of such information, any denial of further non-emergency care by the carrier/self-insured employer is prima facie, not arbitrary and capricious.
E. First Request
1. If a carrier/self-insured employer determines that the information required in Subsection C of this Section has not been provided, then the carrier/self-insured employer shall, within five business days of receipt of LWC-WC-1010, notify the health care provider of its determination. Notice shall be by fax or e-mail to the healthcare provider and shall include the provider-submitted LWC-WC-1010 with the "first request" section completed to indicate a delay due to lack of information and LWC-WC-1010A identifying the information that was not provided. A copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and all information faxed or emailed to the health care provider shall also be faxed or emailed to the claimant attorney, if any. On the same business day, a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and all information faxed or emailed to the health care provider shall also be sent by regular mail to the claimant's last known address.
a. The health care provider must respond by fax or e-mail to the carrier/self-insured employer's request for additional information within 10 business days of receipt of the request.
b. If the health care provider agrees that the additional information from the first request is due, then such information shall be provided along with LWC-WC-1010 and 1010A.
c. If the health care provider disagrees that the additional information in the first request is due, then the health care provider shall return the LWC-WC-1010 and 1010A with an explanation describing why the health care provider believes all required information has been previously provided.
d. If the health care provider fails to respond to the first request within 10 business days of receipt, then such failure to respond shall result in a withdrawal of the request for authorization without further action by the OWC or the carrier/self-insured employer. In order to obtain authorization for care the health care provider will be required to initiate a new request for authorization with a new LWC-WC-1010 pursuant to this Section.
e. The carrier/self-insured employer must respond by fax or e-mail within five business days of receipt of a timely submitted response from the health care provider:
i. if the health care provider responds timely with additional information and the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the requested information has been provided, then the carrier/self-insured employer has five business days to act on the request for authorization pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(J) and these rules. Subsection G of this Section provides the rules regarding whether a request for authorization is approved, approved with modification, or denied;
ii. if the health care provider responds timely with additional information but the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the requested information has again not been provided, then the carrier/self-insured employer shall return LWC-WC-1010 to the health care provider, and indicate suspension of prior authorization process due to lack of information;
iii. if the health care provider responds timely with the appropriate forms and an explanation as to why no additional information is necessary; and
iv. the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the request for information has been satisfied, then the carrier/self-insured employer has five business days to act on the request for authorization pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(J) and these rules. Subsection G of this Section provides the rules regarding whether a request for authorization is approved, approved with modification, or denied;
v. the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the requested information has still not been provided, then the carrier/self-insured employer shall return to the health care provider the LWC-WC-1010 indicating suspension of prior authorization process due to lack of information.
2.
a. A carrier/self-insured employer who fails to return LWC-WC-1010 within the five business days as provided in this Subsection is deemed to have denied such request for authorization. A health care provider, claimant, or claimant's attorney if represented who chooses to appeal a denial pursuant to this Subsection shall file a LWC-WC-1009 pursuant to Subsection J of this Section.
b. A request for authorization that is deemed denied pursuant to this Subparagraph may be approved by the carrier/self-insured employer within 10 calendar days of being deemed denied. The approval will be indicated in section 3 of LWC-WC-1010. The medical director shall dismiss any appeal that may have been filed by a LWC-WC-1009. The carrier/self-insured employer shall be given a presumption of good faith regarding the decision to change the denial to an approval provided that the LWC-WC-1010 which indicates "approved" in section 3 is faxed or emailed within the 10 calendar days.
F. Appeal of Suspension of Prior Authorization Process
1. If the health care provider disagrees with the suspension of prior authorization process, the provider, within five business days of receipt of the suspension, shall file an appeal with the medical services section of the OWC. The appeal shall include:
a. a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 submitted to the carrier/self-insured employer. The health care provider should complete the appropriate section of the form indicating that an appeal is being requested; and
b. a copy of LWC-WC-1010A; and
c. a copy of all information previously submitted to the carrier/self-insured employer.
2. The medical services section shall, within 10 business days of receipt of the filed LWC-WC-1010:
a. determine whether the information provided satisfied the provisions of Subsection C of this Section; and
b. issue a written determination to the health care provider, claimant and carrier/self-insured employer.
3. If the medical services section determines that the requested information was not provided, then the health care provider will be required to submit the information to the carrier/self-insured employer within five business days of receipt of the decision of the medical services section.
a. If the information is provided as required by decision of the medical services section, the carrier/self-insured employer shall have five business days to act on the request for authorization pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(J) and these rules. Subsection G of this Section provides the rules regarding a request for authorization being approved, approved with modification, or denied.
b. Failure of the health care provider to provide the information within five business days of receipt of the decision of the medical services section shall result in a withdrawal of the request for authorization without further action by the OWC or the carrier/self-insured employer. In order to obtain authorization, the medical provider will be required to initiate a new request for authorization pursuant to this Section.
4. If the medical services section determines that the requested information was provided, then within five business days of receipt of the decision of the medical services section decision, the carrier/self-insured employer shall act on the request for authorization pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(J) and these rules with the information as previously provided. Subsection G of this Section provides the rules regarding a request for authorization being approved, approved with modification, or denied.
5. Failure of the carrier/self-insured employer to act on the request within the five business days will be deemed a denial of the request for authorization. A health care provider, claimant, or claimant's attorney if represented who chooses to appeal a denial pursuant to this subparagraph shall file a LWC-WC-1009 pursuant to Subsection J of this Section.
6. A request for authorization that is deemed denied pursuant to this subparagraph may be approved by the carrier/self-insured employer within 10 calendar days of being deemed denied. The approval will be indicated in section 3 of LWC-WC-1010. The medical director shall dismiss any appeal that may have been filed by a LWC-WC-1009. The carrier/self-insured employer shall be given a presumption of good faith regarding the decision to change the denial to an approval provided that the LWC-WC-1010 which indicates "approved" in section 3 is faxed or emailed within the 10 calendar days.
G. Approval or Denial of Authorization for Care
1. Request for authorization covered by the medical treatment schedule. Upon receipt of the LWC-WC-1010 and the required medical information in accordance with this Section, the carrier/self-insured employer shall have five business days to notify the health care provider of the carrier/self-insured employer's action on the request. Based upon the medical information provided pursuant to this Section the carrier/self-insured employer will determine whether the request for authorization is in accordance with the medical treatment schedule:
a. the carrier/self-insured employer will return to the health care provider Form 1010, and indicate in the appropriate section on the form that "The requested treatment or testing is approved" if the request is in accordance with the medical treatment schedule; or
b. the carrier/self-insured employer will return to the health care provider, claimant, and the claimant's attorney if one exists, the LWC-WC-1010, and indicate in the appropriate section on the form "The requested treatment or testing is approved with modification" if the carrier/self-insured employer determines that modifications are necessary in order for the request for authorization to be in accordance with the medical treatment schedule, or that a portion of the request for authorization is denied because it is not in accordance with the medical treatment schedule. The carrier/self insured employer shall include with the LWC-WC-1010 a summary of reasons why a part of the request for authorization is not in accordance with the medical treatment schedule and explain any modification to the request for authorization. The LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall be faxed or emailed to the health care provider and to the claimant attorney, if any. On the same business day, a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall also be sent by regular mail to the claimant's last known address; or
c. the carrier/self-insured employer will return to the health care provider, the claimant, and the claimant's attorney if one exists, the LWC-WC-1010, and indicate in the appropriate section on the form "the requested treatment or testing is denied" if the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the request for authorization is not in accordance with the medical treatment schedule. The carrier/self-insured employer shall include with the LWC-WC-1010 a summary of reasons why the request for authorization is not in accordance with the medical treatment schedule. The LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall be faxed or mailed to the health care provider and to the claimant attorney, if any. On the same business day, a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall also be sent by regular mail to the claimant's last known address.
2. Request for Authorization not Covered by the Medical Treatment Schedule. Requests for authorization of medical care, services, and treatment that are not covered by the medical treatment schedule in accordance to R.S. 23:1203.1(M), must follow the same prior authorization process established for all other requests for medical care, services, and treatment. A request for authorization that is not covered by the medical treatment schedule exists when the requested care, services, or treatment are for a diagnosis not addressed by the medical treatment schedule. The health care Provider requesting care, services, or treatment that is not covered by the medical treatment schedule may submit documentation sufficient to establish that the request is in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D). After timely receipt of the LWC-WC-1010, the submitted documentation if any, and the required medical information in accordance with this Section, the carrier/self-insured employer shall determine whether the request for authorization is in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D). In making this determination, the carrier/self-insured employer shall review the submitted documentation, but may apply another guideline that meets the criteria of R.S. 23:1203.1(D). The carrier/self-insured employer has five business days to notify the health care provider of the carrier/self-insured employer's action on the request:
a. the carrier/self-insured employer will return to the health care provider the LWC-WC-1010, and indicate in the appropriate section on the form that "The requested treatment or testing is approved" if the request is in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D); or
b. the carrier/self-insured employer will return to the health care provider, claimant, and the claimant's attorney if one exists, the LWC-WC-1010, and indicate in the appropriate section on the form "The requested treatment or testing is approved with modification" if the carrier/self-insured employer determines that modifications are necessary in order for the request for authorization to be in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D), or that a portion of the request for authorization is denied because it is not in accordance with R.S.23:1203.1(D). The carrier/self insured employer shall include with the LWC-WC-1010 a summary of reasons why a part of the request for authorization is not in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D). The LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall be faxed or emailed to the health care provider and to the claimant attorney, if any. On the same business day a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall also be sent by regular mail to the claimant's last known address; or
c. the carrier/self-insured employer will return to the health care provider, the claimant, and the claimant's attorney if one exists, the LWC-WC-1010, and indicate in the appropriate section on the form "the requested treatment or testing is denied" if the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the request for authorization is not in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D). The carrier/self-insured employer shall include with the LWC-WC-1010 a summary of reasons why the request for authorization is not in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D). The LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall be faxed or emailed to the health care provider and to the claimant attorney, if any. On the same business day a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall also be sent by regular mail to the claimant's last known address.
3. Summary of Reasons. The summary of reasons provided by the carrier/self-insured employer with the approval with modification or denial shall include:
i. the name of the employee;
ii. the date of accident;
iii. the name of the health care provider requesting authorization;
iv. the decision (approved with modification, denied);
v. the clinical rationale to include a brief summary of the medical information reviewed;
vi. the criteria applied to include specific references to the medical treatment schedule, or to the guidelines adopted in another state if the requested care, services or treatment is not covered by the medical treatment schedule; and
vii. a Section labeled "Voluntary Reconsideration" pursuant to Paragraph I.2 of this Section that includes a phone number that will allow the health care provider to speak to a person with the carrier/self-insured employer or its utilization review company with authority to reconsider a denial or approval with modification.
4. Upon receipt of the LWC-WC-1010 and the required medical information in accordance with this Section, the carrier/self-insured employer shall have five business days to notify the health care provider of the carrier/self-insured employer's action on the request. Based upon the medical information provided pursuant to this Section, and other information known to the carrier/self-insured employer at the time of the request for authorization, the carrier will return to the health care provider, claimant, and claimant's attorney if one exists, the LWC-WC-1010 and indicate in the appropriate section on the form "the requested treatment or testing is denied because:
a. "the request for authorization or a portion thereof is not related to the on-the-job injury;" or
b. "the claim is non-compensable;" or
c. "other" and provide a brief explanation for the basis of denial.
5. The LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall be faxed or emailed to the health care provider and the claimant attorney, if any. On the same business day a copy of the LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons shall also be sent by regular mail to the claimant's last known address.
H. Failure to respond by carrier/self-insured employer. a carrier/self-insured employer who fails to return LWC-WC-1010 with section 3 completed within the five business days to act on a request for authorization as provided in this Section is deemed to have denied such request for authorization. A health care provider, claimant, or claimant's attorney if represented who chooses to appeal a denial pursuant to this Subparagraph shall file a LWC-WC-1009 pursuant to Subsection J of this Section.
I. Reconsideration Prior to LWC-WC-1009 Decision
1.R.S. 23:1203.1(L) provides that it is the intent of the legislature that, with establishment of the medical treatment schedule, medical and surgical treatment, hospital care, and other health care provider services shall be delivered in an efficient and timely manner to injured employees.
2. In furtherance of that goal, the LWC-WC-1010 and the summary of reasons provided by the carrier/self-insured employer with the denial or approved with modification will include a statement that the health care provider is encouraged to contact the carrier/self insured employer to discuss reconsideration of the denial or approval with modification. The carrier/self insured employer shall include on the summary of reasons a section labeled "voluntary reconsideration," and include a phone number that will allow the health care provider to speak to a person with the carrier/self-insured employer or its utilization review company with authority to reconsider the previous denial or approval with modification.
3. Reconsideration after denied or approved with modification. If the carrier/self-insured employer determines that the requested care should now be approved, it will return to the health care provider, the claimant, and the claimant's attorney if one exists within 10 calendar days of the denial or approval with modification, the LWC-WC-1010, and in the appropriate section on the form indicate "the prior denied or approved with modification request is now approved." Such approval ends the utilization review process as it relates to the request. A LWC-WC-1009 or 1008 shall not be filed regarding such request. The carrier/self-insured employer shall be given a presumption of good faith regarding the decision to change its decision of denied or approved with modification to approved after discussing the request with the health care provider.
4. Reconsideration after deemed denied due to failure to respond. A request for authorization that is deemed denied pursuant to Subsection H of this Section may be approved by the carrier/self-insured employer within 10 calendar days of the request for authorization as indicated on the LWC-WC-1010. The approval will be indicated in Section 3 of LWC-WC-1010. The medical director shall dismiss any appeal that may have been filed by a LWC-WC-1009. The carrier/self-insured employer shall be given a presumption of good faith regarding the decision to change the denial to an approval provided that the LWC-WC-1010 which indicates "approved" in Section 3 is faxed or emailed within 10 calendar days of the request for authorization.
J. Review of denial, approved with modification, deemed denied, or variance by LWC-WC-1009.
1. Any aggrieved party who disagrees with a request for authorization that is denied, approved with modification, deemed denied pursuant to Paragraphs E.2, F.5, and Subsection H, or who seeks a determination from the medical director with respect to medical care, services, and treatment that varies from the medical treatment schedule shall file a request for review with the OWC. The request for review shall be filed within 15 calendar days of:
a. receipt of the LWC-WC-1010 by the health care provider indicating that care has been denied or approved with modification; or
b. the expiration of the fifth business day without response by the carrier/self-insured employer pursuant to Paragraphs E.2, F.5, and Subsection H of this Section.
2. The request for review shall include:
a. LWC-WC-1009 which shall state the reason for review is either;
i. a request for authorization that is denied; or
ii. a request for authorization that is approved with modification; or
iii. a request for authorization that is deemed denied pursuant to Paragraphs, E.2, F.5, and Subsection H; or
iv. a variance from the medical treatment schedule is warranted; and
b. a copy of LWC-WC-1010 which shows the history of communications between the health care provider and the carrier/self-insured employer that finally resulted in the request being denied or approved with modification; and
c. all of the information previously submitted to the carrier/self-insured employer; and
d. in cases where a variance has been requested, the health care provider or claimant shall also provide any other evidence supporting the position of the health care provider or the claimant including scientific medical evidence demonstrating that a variance from the medical treatment schedule is reasonably required to cure or relieve the claimant from the effects of the injury or occupational disease given the circumstances.
3. In cases where the requested care, services, or treatment are not covered by the medical treatment schedule pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(M):
i. the health care provider may also submit with the LWC-WC-1009 the documentation provided to the carrier/self-insured employer pursuant to Paragraph G.2 of this Section; and
ii. the carrier/self-insured employer may submit to the medical director within five business days of receipt of the LWC-WC-1009 from the health care provider or claimant the documentation used to deny or approve with modification the request for authorization pursuant to R.S. 23:1203.1(D). A copy of the information being submitted to the medical director must be provided by fax or email to the health care provider and claimant attorney, if any, and on the same business day to the claimant by regular mail at his last known address.
4. The health care provider or claimant filing the LWC-WC-1009 shall certify that such form and all supporting documentation has been sent to the carrier/self-insured employer by email or fax. The OWC shall notify all parties of receipt of a LWC-WC-1009.
5.
a. Within five business days of receipt of the LWC-WC-1009 from the health care provider or claimant, the carrier/self-insured employer shall provide to the medical director, with a copy going to the health care provider or claimant attorney, if any, via fax or email and on the same business day to the claimant via regular mail at his last known address, any evidence it thinks pertinent to the decision regarding the request being denied, approved with modification, deemed denied, or that a variance from the medical treatment schedule is warranted.
b. The medical director shall within 30 calendar days of receipt of the LWC-WC-1009, and consideration of any medical evidence from the carrier/self-insured employer if provided within such five business days, render a decision as to whether the request for authorization is medically necessary and is:
i. in accordance with the medical treatment schedule: or
ii. in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1(D) if such request is not covered by the medical treatment schedule, or
iii. whether the health care provider or claimant demonstrates by a preponderance of the scientific medical evidence that a variance from the medical treatment schedule is reasonably required. The decision of the medical director shall be provided in writing to the health care provider, claimant, claimant's attorney if one exists, and Carrier/ Self-Insured Employer.
c. The decision of the medical director shall include:
i. the date the decision is mailed; and
ii. the name of the employee; and
iii. the date of accident; and
iv. the decision of the medical director; and
v. the clinical rational to include a summary of the medical information reviewed; and
vi. the criteria applied to make the LWC-WC-1009 decision.
K. Appeal of 1009 Decision by Filing 1008
1. In accordance with LAC 40:I.5507.C, any party feeling aggrieved by the R.S. 23:1203.1(J) determination of the medical director shall seek a judicial review by filing a Form LWC-WC-1008 in a workers' compensation district office within 15 calendar days of the date said determination is mailed to the parties. The filed LWC-WC-1008 shall include a copy of the LWC-WC-1009 and the decision of the medical director. A party filing such appeal must simultaneously notify the other party that an appeal of the medical director's decision has been filed. Upon receipt of the appeal, the workers' compensation judge shall immediately set the matter for an expedited hearing to be held not less than 15 calendar days nor more than 30 calendar days after the receipt of the appeal by the office. The workers' compensation judge shall provide notice of the hearing date to the parties at the same time and in the same manner. The decision of the medical director may only be overturned when it is shown, by clear and convincing evidence that the decision was not in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 23:1203.1.
L. Variance to Medical Treatment Schedule
1. Requests for authorization of medical care, services, and treatment that may vary from the medical treatment schedule must follow the same prior authorization process established for all other requests for medical care, services, and treatment that require prior authorization. If a request is denied or approved with modification, and the health care provider or claimant determines to seek a variance from the medical director, then a LWC-WC-1009 shall be filed as provided in Subsection J of this Section. The health care provider, claimant, or claimant's attorney filing the LWC-WC-1009 shall submit with such form the scientific medical literature that is higher ranking and more current than the scientific medical literature contained in the medical treatment schedule, and which supports approval of the variance.
2. A variance exists in the following situations.
a. The requested care, services, or treatment is not recommended by the medical treatment schedule although the diagnosis is covered by the medical treatment schedule.
b. The requested care, services, or treatment is recommended by the medical treatment schedule, but for a different diagnosis or body part.
c. The requested care, services, or treatment involves a medical condition of the claimant that complicates recovery of the claimant that is not addressed by the medical treatment schedule.
M. Emergency Care. In addition to all other rules and procedures, the health care provider who provides care under the "medical emergency" exception must demonstrate that it was a "medical emergency" in the following manner:
a. by demonstrating that the illness or condition presents one or more of the following findings:
i. Severity of Illness Criteria:
(a). Sudden Onset of Unconsciousness or Disorientation (coma or unresponsiveness);
(b). Pulse Rate:
(i). less than 50 per minute;
(ii). greater than 140 per minute;
(c). Blood Pressure:
(i). systolic less than 90 or greater than 200 mm Hg.;
(ii). diastolic less than 60 or greater than 120 mm Hg.;
(d). acute loss of sight or hearing;
(e). acute loss of ability to move body part;
(f). persistent fever equal to or greater than 100 (p.o.) or greater than 101(r) for more than five days;
(g). active bleeding;
(h). severe electrolyte/blood gas abnormality (any of the following:
(i). Na < 124 mEq/L, or Na > 156 mEq/L;
(ii). K < 2.5 mEq/L, or K > 6.0 mEq/L;
(iii). CO2 combining power [unless chronically abnormal] < 20 mEq/L, or CO2 combining power [unless chronically abnormal] > 36 mEq/L;
(iv). blood ph < 7.30, or blood ph 7.45);
(i). acute or progressive sensory, motor, circulatory or respiratory embarrassment sufficient to incapacitate the patient (inability to move, feed, breathe, etc.).

NOTE: Must also meet Intensity of Service criterion simultaneously in order to certify. Do not use for back pain.

(j). EKG evidence of acute ischemia; must be suspicion of a new MI;
(k). wound dehiscence or evisceration.
ii. Intensity of Service Criteria
(a). Intravenous medications and/or fluid replacement (does not include tube feedings);
(b). surgery or procedure scheduled within 24 hours requiring:
(i). general or regional anesthesia; or
(ii). use of equipment, facilities, procedure available only in a hospital;
(c). vital sign monitoring every two hours or more often (may include telemetry or bedside cardiac monitor);
(d). chemotherapeutic agents that require continuous observation for life threatening toxic reaction;
(e). treatment in an I.C.U.;
(f). intramuscular antibiotics at least every eight hours;
(g). intermittent or continuous respirator use at least every eight hours;

NOTE: If at least one criterion is satisfied from both the severity of illness criteria and the intensity of service criteria, the service is considered to be emergency.

b. by demonstrating by other objective criteria that the treatment was necessary to prevent death, or serious permanent impairment to the patient.
N. Change of Physician
1. Requests for change of treating physician within one field or specialty shall be made in writing to the carrier/self-insured employer and shall contain a clear statement of the reason for the requested change. Having exhausted the monetary limit for non-emergency treatment is insufficient justification, without other reasons. The carrier/self-insured employer shall notify all parties of the request, and of their action on the request, within five calendar days of date of receipt of the request. Failure to timely respond may result in assessment of penalties by the hearing officer.
2. Disputes over change of physician will be resolved in accordance with R.S. 23:1121.
O. Opposing Medical Opinions. In the event that there are opposing medical opinions regarding claimant's condition or capacity to work, the Office of Workers' Compensation Administration will appoint an independent medical examiner of the appropriate licensure class to examine the claimant, or review the medical records at issue. The expense of this examination will be set by the director and will be borne by the carrier/self-insured employer.

La. Admin. Code tit. 40, § I-2715

Promulgated by the Department of Employment and Training, Office of Workers' Compensation, LR 17:263 (March 1991), repromulgated LR 17:653 (July 1991), repromulgated LR 18:257 (March 1992), amended by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation, LR 38:1030 (April 2012), repromulgated LR 38:1287 (May 2012), amended LR 38:3255 (December 2012), LR 40:1163 (June 2014), Amended by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers' Compensation, LR 46
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 23:1203.1.