Treatment Planning Rules Draw Criticism, Praise

AUSTIN, Texas -- Treatment planning rules could reduce payment disputes but also could create additional burdens for doctors and insurance carriers, witnesses told a Texas Division of Workers' Compensation hearing before Commissioner Albert Betts. Division deputy director Allen McDonald said the treatment planing provisions are intended to "encourage communication" between providers and carriers" and promote "certainty of payment" to providers. Use of treatment plans in instances where treatment is not expected to fall within the guidelines should reduce retrospective denials of payment...