Providers Gear Up to Fight Proposed Medical Fee Schedule

The Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council is expected on Wednesday to bless legislation that would create a quasi-Medicare-based fee schedule and is girding for a major fight with health care providers. Similar legislation failed in the Assembly three and a half years ago, leaving Wisconsin as one of seven states that do not regulate professional and medical fees in their workers' compensation systems. The state now uses a charge-based system that includes a provision for insurers to contest bills they deem excessive. “Our Legislature has to decide if they want...