The Industrial Commission recently released a highly anticipated proposal to reform its medical fee schedule, including updated payment rates for doctors who treat injured workers. Rates for professional services will generally range from 140 percent to 195 percent of Medicare under the proposal and are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2015.

NCMS has consistently advocated for revised North Carolina payment rates in workers’ compensation, which rank among the worst nationally. The IC’s proposal incorporates recommendations developed by the NCMS Workers’ Comp Fee Schedule Task Force and other stakeholders that have been in discussions over the past year.

Look for a detailed summary of the proposal in the next NCMS Bulletin. You also may review the IC’s proposal — which is not final and subject to change — in the latest edition of the N.C. Register (PDF).