Proposed NYS Medical Treatment Guidelines

On March 13, 2007, Governor Spitzer directed the Commissioner of Insurance to proposed medical treatment guidelines by December 1, 2007. The Department has proposed four sets of guidelines, for lower back, neck, shoulder and knee -- injuries that account for more than fifty percent of medical related costs in the workers comp system. The Commissioner has also recommended a set of general principals related to medical guidelines, and a plan for educating physicians, board employees and others involved with the medical treatment process.

In his transmission letter, Commissioner Dinallo stated that these proposed treatment guidelines "contain quality standards for medical care of injured workers, and should encourage accelerated delivery of quality medical services and reduce disputes and costs."

The Commissioner said that they expect to develop additional guidelines, including those for chronic pain and wrist injuries (including carpal tunnel syndrome).

• Cover letter
• Proposed General principles medical treatment guidelines
• Education plan
• Proposed lower back medical treatment guidelines
• Proposed cervical spine medical treatment guidelines
• Proposed shoulder medical treatment guidelines
• Proposed knee medical treatment guidelines

December 3, 2007