Workers’ Compensation & Telemedicine

Is Telemedicine Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

For an injured or disabled individual, “telemedicine” can be a godsend. Telemedicine can be used for a variety of purposes – including consultations, diagnoses, and treatment – without the need to leave the home. Until recently, however, may telemedicine services were not covered by workers’ compensation.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way medicine is practiced. In order to protect patients and healthcare workers from the virus, many doctors and medical practices have shifted to telemedicine, or the use of telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare services remotely.

This shift to telemedicine has had far-reaching effects on the workers compensation system. In California, for example, the legislature has passed laws requiring insurers to cover telehealth services for workers’ compensation claims. These laws make it easier for injured workers to get the medical care they need, without having to travel to a doctor’s office.

The pandemic has also prompted far-reaching reforms in workers compensation benefits. In California, for example, the legislature has passed laws that:

• Expand the types of medical services that can be provided through telemedicine
• Allow injured workers to receive medical care from out-of-state providers through telemedicine
• Provide additional benefits to injured workers who are quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19

In this article the workers’ compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green discuss in detail the recent developments in California workers compensation law that expand telemedicine benefits for work related injuries.

Workers Compensation Insurers Required to Cover Telemedicine Services

In 2020, the California legislature passed a law requiring insurers to cover telehealth services for workers’ compensation claims. This law was passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult for injured workers to get the medical care they needed. The law requires insurers to cover all types of telehealth services, including video conferencing, telephone consultations, and secure messaging.

Expanding The Types of Medical Services Provided Through Telemedicine

The California legislature has also expanded the types of medical services that can be provided through telehealth. In 2021, the legislature passed a law allowing telehealth to be used for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. This law was passed to make it easier for injured workers to receive the rehabilitation services they need.

Allowing Injured Workers to Receive Medical Care from Out-Of-State Providers

Then, in 2022, the California legislature passed a law allowing injured workers to receive medical care from out-of-state providers through telemedicine. This law was passed to make it easier for injured workers to access the care they need, regardless of where they live.

These are just a few of the recent developments in California workers compensation law that expand telemedicine benefits for work related injuries. These developments make it easier for injured workers to get the medical care they need, without having to travel to a doctor’s office.

Benefits of Telemedicine for Workers Compensation Claims

The California workers’ compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green are highly in favor of telehealth for our clients who collect workers compensation. Here are some additional benefits of telemedicine for workers’ compensation claims.

• Reduced costs: Telemedicine can help to reduce the cost of workers’ compensation claims. Telehealth can help to reduce the need for in-person visits, which can be expensive, as well as save patients time and money trying to arrange transportation, etc.
• Increased access to care: Telemedicine can help to increase access to care for injured workers. This is because telehealth can make it possible for injured workers to receive care from specialized providers – even those who are located far away or in another state.
• Improved quality of care: Telemedicine can help to improve the quality of care for injured workers. This is because telehealth can allow providers to monitor injured workers more closely and to provide more timely treatment, in addition to or in-between office visits.

Overall, the recent developments in California workers compensation law that expand telemedicine benefits are a positive development. These developments make it easier for injured workers to get the medical care they need, without having to travel to a doctor’s office.

California Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Under California workers’ compensation law, telemedicine is generally considered a covered benefit. The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recognizes telemedicine as a legitimate method of delivering medical services to injured workers. It allows injured workers to receive medical consultations, evaluations, and treatments remotely through electronic communication technologies.

Telemedicine can provide convenient and timely access to healthcare services while reducing the need for in-person visits. However, specific coverage and reimbursement policies may vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the type of injury or illness, and the regulations set forth by the DWC and individual insurance carriers. If you are being denied workers compensation benefits, including telemedicine services, the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green can help.

California Workers Compensation Attorneys: 800-964-8047