October 10, 2013
When an employee is injured on-the-job, they often have a right to file for compensation for medical bills and lost wages through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage. The Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham explain the system in Wisconsin is considered strong, with some of the lowest costs and fastest recuperation times in the nation. But recent rate spikes have some legislators considering changes to the law.
According to the LaCrosse Tribune, one study shows the costs for two different groups of patients to have Wisconsin doctors perform the same arthroscopic knee surgery differed by $2,155. The only difference between the two groups was one set of patients was covered by a group insurance policy, while the other was covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system. Those receiving procedures paid for by workers’ compensation coverage were being charged much more.
Now, lawmakers are considering measures that would create a fee schedule for the prices of procedures. Officials say the fee schedule would be set at 175 percent of what Medicare pays for a procedure, and they believe the measure would control inflating costs.
The law firm’s team of Wisconsin personal injury lawyers recognizes just how complex the claims process for workers’ compensation can be. Sigman, Janssen, Sewall, Pitz & Burkham are here to help anyone who has been injured while on-the-job.