Michigan workers comp attorney gives suggestions to medical and dental providers about collecting unpaid bills.
One of the most frustrating parts of my job is dealing with medical providers who want immediate payment and will not compromise. So consider this a public service announcement on how to resolve disputed claims under workers comp.
Medical bills
Michigan passed its first workers comp law in 1912. It requires employers to provide medical treatment for employees who are hurt on-the-job. All medical bills should be paid directly by the employer or its insurance company. The amount paid to the medical provider is based upon a fee schedule and this is the most that can be charged.
Problems arise when medical bills are disputed under workers comp. The employer may believe that the injury did not occur at work. The insurance company may say that treatment is not reasonable and necessary.
It is not the patient’s fault if a medical bill gets rejected under workers comp. Insurance companies take ridiculous positions to save money on claims. This is also unfair to doctors and hospitals who deserve to be paid.
Health insurance
Medical bills can be submitted through a person’s health insurance if disputed by workers comp. This includes Medicaid and Medicare. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is in a special category and is required to pay under this circumstance.
The patient must reimburse the health insurance company if payment is later received from workers comp. This allows the patient to continue treatment while ensuring medical providers are paid.
Work comp attorneys
Our law firm always protects medical providers. This is for the benefit of our clients.
We suggest you fax the attorney with a breakdown of the unpaid charges. Provide medical bills on HCFA 1500 claim forms so that payment can easily be made under workers comp.
Consider compromising the amount to make it easier for the patient to settle his or her case. You are limited to a fee schedule anyways.
– Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers comp benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related information:
LARA – Workers Compensation Agency
