Experts Discuss Guidelines, Return-to-Work

AUSTIN, Texas -- An Austin lawyer told claims managers and adjusters Tuesday use of medical fee and treatment guidelines relying on "evidence-based medicine" remains controversial with some providers who dismiss the approach as "cookbook medicine." In fact, attorney Stuart Colburn of Downs and Stanford expects a battle over the next several years before use of the guidelines adopted in Texas are accepted fully, he said at a seminar sponsored by the Austin Claims Association and Insurance Council of Texas. Colburn noted the Division of Workers' Compensation adopted elements of the Offici...