Acupuncture Extending its Reach in Comp

A years-long effort to include acupuncture as a covered treatment in workers’ comp in Washington state is finally starting to pay off, as the Department of Labor & Industries is launching a pilot program of acupuncture to treat low back pain. Labor & Industries does not currently authorize acupuncture, a practice that is contrary to workers’ compensation medical treatment guidelines including Work Loss Data Institute’s Official Disability Guidelines. But beginning Oct. 1, qualified providers participating in the Washington pilot program will be paid to use acupunctu...