DWC Launches Online Education Module for Physicians Treating Injured Workers

Posted almost 9 years ago by Denise Souza

Hi Everyone, I am excited to introduce the new online CA WC Provider Online Educational Module from the DWC. I was honored to be part of a committee served to provide DWC input/feedback during the development. Denise Souza

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Newsline No.: 2016-97 Date: October 19, 2016

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) today launched a free online education course for physicians treating patients in the California workers' compensation system.

"Caring for California's Injured Workers: Using California's Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS)" is the first entry in a planned series of education modules developed for medical doctors, chiropractors and nurses. The MTUS is the primary source of guidance for treating physicians and physician reviewers for the evaluation and treatment of injured workers.

"All medical providers who treat injured California workers are required to understand and follow the MTUS. The online course is a convenient tool for providers to learn how to use the treatment guidelines designed to improve medical outcomes for injured workers," said DWC Executive Medical Director Dr. Raymond Meister.

The module is available on the DWC website and will be available by mobile app soon.
Medical doctors, chiropractors and nurses who take the course will receive one hour of free CME credit. Qualified medical evaluators (QMEs) may report up to one hour of credit for QME reappointment. The course is also available to anyone else wishing to learn about the MTUS, and a completion certificate is available.

The education module covers:

• What the MTUS is and how to use it
• How to navigate the MTUS treatment guidelines and apply recommendations via case scenarios
• When to consider recommendations outside of the MTUS guidelines for the care of your patient
• The role of utilization review (UR) and independent medical review (IMR) physicians

Access to the physician education module can be found on the DWC website.

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The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 1-844-LABOR-DIR (1-844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.