Chiropractic Services
Doctors of chiropractic (DC) may serve as attending providers in the care of injured workers in Washington State. Chiropractors manage about one-third of the state’s occupational low-back injuries.
A chiropractic physician may be an attending provider for workers with accepted extremity conditions as well as spinal conditions. Like care rendered by other health-care providers, chiropractic care for injured workers must be curative and rehabilitative.
Reimbursement for Chiropractic Services
Chiropractic services in Washington workers’ compensation are covered under L&I payment policy which differs from other payers and workers’ compensation in other states.
- Payment policies for chiropractic services, including evaluation and management services, chiropractic care visits (Local codes 2050A, 2051A and 2052A), physical medicine (Local code 1044M), independent medical exams, and radiology services
- Fee schedule look-up
Chiropractic Consultations
Attending providers can request a second opinion about diagnosis or treatment from approved consultants.
- How doctors use the Chiropractic Consultation Program.
- How to become a chiropractic consultant. Includes ongoing requirements.
- Reimbursement for consultations.
Industrial Insurance Chiropractic Advisory Committee
The Industrial Insurance Chiropractic Advisory Committee (IICAC) was formed by the Washington State Legislature in 2007. (Chapter 51.36 RCW) The IICAC currently:
- Develops trainings and printed or web-based resources for chiropractors to assist them in providing high quality care for injured workers, and
- May be involved in providing input and review on department policies and guidelines that may impact chiropractic care.
Training and Resources for Chiropractors
L&I offers a variety of useful seminars, publications and online resources that can assist in the care of injured workers.
Chiropractic Practice Research
Laws (RCWs) and administrative rules (WACs) affecting chiropractic
- RCW 51.36.015 Chiropractic care and evaluation.
- RCW 51.36.060 Duties of attending physician or licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner — Medical information.
- RCW 51.36.150 Industrial insurance chiropractic advisory committee -- Duties -- Membership.
- WAC 296-20 Medical aid rules.
- WAC 296-21 Reimbursement policies: Psychiatric services, biofeedback, physical medicine.
- WAC 296-23 Radiology, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, pathology, hospital, chiropractic, physical therapy, drugless therapeutics and nursing -- Drugless therapeutics, etc.
- WAC 296-27 Recordkeeping and reporting.
