Bill could create real-time processing for medical bills in comp
Reprints
Lawmakers in Texas are considering legislation that would help determine whether the state’s workers compensation system would benefit from real-time medical services authorization processing.
H.B. 2247, introduced Wednesday, would enable the State Office of Risk Management to develop and implement a “demonstration program for processing workers’ compensation authorizations of payments for medical services and medical bills in real time if the office determines that the program would be cost-effective.”
The bill states that such a data collection and administrative program must be a single-platform, Internet-based portal for use by state agencies, health care providers, patients and other stakeholders. The program would also include the use of treatment guidelines and best practices for return to work, according to a draft of the bill.
The Office of Risk Management would have until June 30, 2024, to test such a program, and until Dec. 31, 2024, to report to the state on such issues as cost savings and recommendations for further legislation.
