Workers' Compensation

C. Communication with attorneys, insurers and patients

Prepared by members of Oregon Workers' Compensation Attorneys
Presented to you by Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton.

17. Is the medical provider required to make patient information available to workers' compensation insurers?

Yes. Injured workers authorize release of medical information when they file their Form 801.

18. Is there any limit on what information must be released?

Yes: Providers need only provide information related to the claimed condition and/or body part.

19. What can a medical provider's office do to protect patients' rights to the privacy of their medical information and ensure the office does not released privileged information to persons not authorized to receive it?

a. Make sure the requestor actually represents the workers' compensation insurer liable for the claim.

b. Release only information allowed under the law. Information related to mental health or drug treatment requires a special release.

c. Only release information related to the claimed condition and/or body part.

20. How can medical providers ensure payment of their bills?

• Send your bills to the workers' compensation insurer as soon as possible. Bills in the carrier's file will be reimbursed according to Question 7 under Collections
• Send your bills no later than 60 days following provision of services.

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Collection: Rates, Bills, Settlements | Aggravation | Communication with Attorneys, Insurers and Patients | Notices for Return to Work and Modified or Light Duty | Report Writing, Magic Words; Standards for Injury, Aggravation and Occupational Disease | Treatment after Claim Closure and in Aggravation Situations | Time Loss Authorization

Last update: June 1, 2001