PROPOSED STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE FOR
AMENDMENTS TO THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RULES OF PROCEDURE
7 CCR 1101-3
BASIS: §8-47-107, C.R.S. provides the Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation with authority to adopt and amend proper rules and regulations to govern the proceedings and hearings of the Division. In addition, 8-42-101(3)(a)(I) provides that the Director shall adopt rules regarding medical treatment guidelines.
PURPOSE: To add a new subsection regarding the application of the Medical Treatment Guidelines to Rule 17-5 and renumber the subsection thereafter. Revise and update the terminology, procedures and implementation of Exhibits 1 and 8. Amend section F.7.g of Exhibit 9, and amend the subject area of spinal injections in Exhibit 9 so that it does not conflict with the language that is ultimately adopted in Exhibits 1 and 8 concerning spinal injections. Amend Exhibit 5 at F.5.d. Amend Exhibit 6 at F.4.d. The purpose of amending these specific subsections is to update the language concerning nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The rule amendments address the following subjects:
· Rule 17 Medical Treatment Guidelines clarify and amend the terminology and application of the Medical Treatment Guidelines.
Exhibits 1(Low Back Pain) and 8 (Cervical Spine Injury) terminology, procedures and implementation of these exhibits will be updated and revised in their entirety.
Exhibit 9 (Chronic Pain Disorder) Amend section F.7.g., Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Amendments to the exhibit in the subject area of spinal injections. This exhibit will be amended so that it does not conflict with rule language adopted in Exhibits 1 and 8 concerning spinal injections.
Exhibit 5 (Cumulative Trauma Disorder) Amendment to F.5.d., NSAIDs.
Exhibit 6 (Lower Extremity) Amendment to F.4.d., NSAIDs.
Corresponding amendments to the Tables of Contents as necessary.
Pursuant to §24-4-103(4)(b), C.R.S., the Director finds that: 1) there is a demonstrated need for the rule amendments; 2) the proper statutory authority exists for this regulation; 3) to the extent practicable, the rules are clearly stated so that their meaning will be understood by any party required to comply with the regulation; 4) the rules do not conflict with other provisions of law; and 5) the duplicating or overlapping of the regulation is explained by the agency proposing the rules.
Bob Summers 1/19/2007
Bob Summers Date
Director,
Division of Workers’ Compensation
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Division of Workers’ Compensation
7 CCR 1101-3
Workers’ compensation rules of procedure
Rule 17 MEDICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES
17-5. PROCEDURE FOR QUESTIONING CARE
(A) In cases where treatment falls within the purview of a medical treatment guideline, prior authorization for payment is unnecessary unless the guideline specifies otherwise, or Rule 16-9 (A)(I)-(4) apply.
(B) (1) If prior authorization is required by the Medical Treatment Guidelines or a provider requests prior authorization then the procedure for contesting a request for prior authorization for payment is under Rule 16-10.
(C) The treatment guidelines set forth care that is generally considered reasonable for most injured workers. However, the Division recognizes that reasonable medical practice may include deviations from these guidelines, as individual cases dictate. For cases in which the provider requests care outside the guidelines the provider should follow the procedure for prior authorization in Rule 16-9.
RULE 17, EXHIBIT 1
Low Back Pain
Medical Treatment Guidelines
Presented by:
State of Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment
DIVISION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE
A. INTRODUCTION 1
B. GENERAL GUIDELINES PRINCIPLES 2
1. APPLICATION OF GUIDELINES 2
2. EDUCATION 2
3. TREATMENT PARAMETER DURATION 2
4. ACTIVE INTERVENTIONS 2
5. ACTIVE THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE PROGRAM 2
6. POSITIVE PATIENT RESPONSE 2
7. RE-EVALUATE TREATMENT EVERY 3 TO 4 WEEKS 2
8. SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS 3
9. SIX-MONTH TIME FRAME 3
10. RETURN-TO-WORK 3
11. DELAYED RECOVERY 3
12. GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATIONS AND INCLUSION OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE 3
13. CARE BEYOND MAXIMUM MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT (MMI) 4
C. INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES 5
1. HisTORY-TAKING AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (Hx & PE) 5
a. History of Present Injury 5
b. Past History 6
c. Physical Examination 6
d. Relationship to Work 7
2. RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING 7
3. LABORATORY TESTING 7
D. FOLLOW-UP DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING AND TESTING PROCEDURES 9
1. IMAGING STUDIES 9
a. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 9
b. Computed Axial Tomography (CT) 10
e.c. Myelography 10
f.d. CT Myelogram 10
c.e. Lineal Tomography 10
d.f. Bone Scan (Radioisotope Bone Scanning) 11
g. Electrodiagnostic Studies/Nerve Conduction Velocities (EMG/NCV) ..
h.g. Other Radionuclideisotope Scanning 11
h Dynamic (Digital) Fluoroscopy...... 11
2. OTHER TESTS 11
b.a. Electrodiagnostic Testing 11
c.b. Injections – Diagnostic 12
a.c. Personality/Psychological/Psychosocial Evaluation 15
d. Provocation Discography 16
e. Thermography 22
3. SPECIAL TESTS 22
a. Computer-Enhanced Evaluations 22
b. Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) 22
c. Jobsite Evaluation 22
d. Vocational Assessment 23
e. Work Tolerance Screening 24
E. THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES – NON-OPERATIVE 24
1. ACUPUNCTURE 24
a. Acupuncture 24
b. Acupuncture with Electrical Stimulation 25
c. Total Time Frames For Acupuncture and Acupuncture with Electrical Stimulation 26
cd. Other Acupuncture Modalities 25
2. BIOFEEDBACK 26
3. INJECTIONS – THERAPEUTIC 26
a. Therapeutic Spinal Injections 26
b. Facet Rhizotomy (Radio Frequency Medial Branch Neurotomy) /Facet Rhizotomy 31
c. Sacro-Iliac (SI) Joint Radiofrequency Denervation 33
d.c. Sacroiliac Joint Injection 33
e. Intradiscal Steroid Therapy 34
e.d. Trigger Point Injections and Dry Needling Treatment 34
G.e. Prolotherapy 35
h.f. Sympathetic Injections Epiduroscopy and Epidural Lysis of Adhesions 35
4. MEDICATIONS 36
a. Acetaminophen 36
b. Minor Tranquilizer/Muscle Relaxants 36
c. Narcotics 37
d. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) 37
e. Oral Steroids 38
f. Intravenous Steroids...... 39
fg. Psychotropic/Anti-anxiety/Hypnotic Agents 39
gh. Tramadol 39
h. Topical Drug Delivery
5. OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS 40
a. Non-Interdisciplinary 38
b. Interdisciplinary 39
6. ORTHOTICS 40
a. Foot Orthoses and inserts 40
b. Lumbar Support Devices 40
c. Lumbar Corsets and Back Belts 40
b.d. Lumbosacral Bracing 40
7. PATIENT EDUCATION 40
8. PERSONALITY/PSYCHOLOGICAL/PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION 41
9. RESTRICTION OF ACTIVITIES 41
10. Return-to-work 41
a. Establishment of a Return-To-Work Status 42
b. Establishment of Activity Level Restrictions 42
c. Compliance with Activity Restrictions 42
11. THERAPY – ACTIVE 42
a. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) 43
b. Aquatic Therapy 43
c. Functional Activities 43
d. Functional Electrical Stimulation 43
f.e. Neuromuscular Re-education 44
ef. Lumbar Spinal Stabilization 44
g. Therapeutic Exercise 44
12. THERAPY – PASSIVE 45
a. Electrical Stimulation (Unattended) 45
b. Infrared Therapy
c.b. Iontophoresis 46
d.c. Manipulation 46
d. Manipulation Under General Anesthesia (MUA) 47
e. Manipulation Under Joint Anesthesia (MUJA) 47
ef. Massage – Manual or Mechanical 48
f.g. Mobilization (Joint) 48
gh. Mobilization (Soft Tissue) 48
i. Short-Wave Diathermy 49
h.j. Superficial Heat and Cold Therapy (Excluding Infrared Therapy 49
j.k. Traction – Manual 49
k.l. Traction – Mechanical 50
l.m. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) 50
mn. Ultrasound 50
n.o. Vertebral Axial Decompression (VAX-D)/DRX, 9000 51
o.p. Whirlpool/Hubbard Tank 51
13. vocational rehabilitation 51
F. THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES – OPERATIVE 52
1. DISCECTOMY 53
2. CHEMONUCLEOLYSIS
3.2. PERCUTANEOUS DISCECTOMY (NUCLECTOMY) OR LASER DISCECTOMY 54
4.3. LAMINOTOMY/LAMINECTOMY/FORAMENOTOMY/FACETECTOMY 54
5.4. SPINAL FUSION 55
6.5. SACROILIAC JOINT FUSION 58
7.6. IMPLANTABLE SPINAL CORD STIMULATORS 58
8.7. INTRADISCAL ELECTROTHERMAL ANNULOPLASTY (IDEA) 58
8. Laser Discectomy 60
9. Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement 60
10. Kyphoplasty 62
11. Vertebroplasty 63
12. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Disc Decompression 64
13. Nucleus Pulposus Replacement 64
14. Epiduroscopy and Epidural Lysis of Adhesions 64
15. Intraoperative Monitoring 64
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Division of Workers’ Compensation
CCR 1101-3
Rule 17, EXHIBIT 1
LOW BACK PAIN MEDICAL TREATMENT GUIDELINES
A. INTRODUCTION
This document has been prepared by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Workers’ Compensation (Division) and should be interpreted within the context of guidelines for physicians/providers treating individuals qualifying under Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Act as injured workers with low back pain.
Although the primary purpose of this document is advisory and educational, these guidelines are enforceable under the Workers’ Compensation Rules of Procedure, 7 CCR 1101-3. The Division recognizes that acceptable medical practice may include deviations from these guidelines, as individual cases dictate. Therefore, these guidelines are not relevant as evidence of a provider’s legal standard of professional care.
To properly utilize this document, the reader should not skip nor overlook any sections.
B. GENERAL GUIDELINE PRINCIPLES
The principles summarized in this section are key to the intended implementation of all Division of Workers’ Compensation guidelines and critical to the reader’s application of the guidelines in this document.
1. APPLICATION OF GUIDELINES The Division provides procedures to implement medical treatment guidelines and to foster communication to resolve disputes among the provider, payer, and patient through the Worker’s Compensation Rules of Procedure. In lieu of more costly litigation, parties may wish to seek administrative dispute resolution services through the Division or the office of administrative courts.
2. EDUCATION of the patient and family, as well as the employer, insurer, policy makers and the community should be the primary emphasis in the treatment of low back pain and disability. Currently, practitioners often think of education last, after medications, manual therapy, and surgery. Practitioners must develop and implement an effective strategy and skills to educate patients, employers, insurance systems, policy makers, and the community as a whole. An education-based paradigm should always start with inexpensive communication providing reassuring information to the patient. More in-depth education currently exists within a treatment regime employing functional restorative and innovative programs of prevention and rehabilitation. No treatment plan is complete without addressing issues of individual and/or group patient education as a means of facilitating self-management of symptoms and prevention.
3. TREATMENT PARAMETER DURATION Time frames for specific interventions commence once treatments have been initiated, not on the date of injury. Obviously, duration will be impacted by patient compliance, as well as availability of services. Clinical judgment may substantiate the need to accelerate or decelerate the time frames discussed in this document.
4. ACTIVE INTERVENTIONS emphasizing patient responsibility, such as therapeutic exercise and/or functional treatment, are generally emphasized over passive modalities, especially as treatment progresses. Generally, passive interventions are viewed as a means to facilitate progress in an active rehabilitation program with concomitant attainment of objective functional gains.
5. ACTIVE THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE PROGRAM goals should incorporate patient strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and education. This includes functional application in vocational or community settings.
6. POSITIVE PATIENT RESPONSE results are defined primarily as functional gains that can be objectively measured. Objective functional gains include, but are not limited to, positional tolerances, range of motion (ROM), strength, endurance, activities of daily living, cognition, psychological behavior, and efficiency/velocity measures that can be quantified. Subjective reports of pain and function should be considered and given relative weight when the pain has anatomic and physiologic correlation. Anatomic correlation must be based on objective findings.
7. RE-EVALUATE TREATMENT EVERY 3 TO 4 WEEKS If a given treatment or modality is not producing positive results within 3 to 4 weeks, the treatment should be either modified or discontinued. Reconsideration of diagnosis should also occur in the event of poor response to a seemingly rational intervention.
8. SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS should be contemplated within the context of expected functional outcome and not purely for the purpose of pain relief. The concept of “cure” with respect to surgical treatment by itself is generally a misnomer. All operative interventions must be based upon positive correlation of clinical findings, clinical course, and diagnostic tests. A comprehensive assimilation of these factors must lead to a specific diagnosis with positive identification of pathologic conditions.
9. SIX-MONTH TIME FRAME The prognosis drops precipitously for returning an injured worker to work once he/she has been temporarily totally disabled for more than six months. The emphasis within these guidelines is to move patients along a continuum of care and return to work within a six-month time frame, whenever possible. It is important to note that time frames may not be pertinent to injuries that do not involve work-time loss or are not occupationally related.
10. RETURN-TO-WORK is therapeutic, assuming the work is not likely to aggravate the basic problem or increase long-term pain. The practitioner must provide specific physical limitations and the patient should never be released to “sedentary” or “light duty.” The following physical limitations should be considered and modified as recommended: lifting, pushing, pulling, crouching, walking, using stairs, bending at the waist, awkward and/or sustained postures, tolerance for sitting or standing, hot and cold environments, data entry and other repetitive motion tasks, sustained grip, tool usage and vibration factors. Even if there is residual chronic pain, return-to-work is not necessarily contraindicated.
The practitioner should understand all of the physical demands of the patient’s job position before returning the patient to full duty and should request clarification of the patient’s job duties. Clarification should be obtained from the employer or, if necessary, including, but not limited to, an occupational health nurse, occupational therapist, vocational rehabilitation specialist, or an industrial hygienist.
11. DELAYED RECOVERY Strongly consider a psychological evaluation, if not previously provided, as well as initiating interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment and vocational goal setting, for those patients who are failing to make expected progress 6 to 12 weeks after an injury. The Division recognizes that 3 to 10% of all industrially injured patients will not recover within the timelines outlined in this document despite optimal care. Such individuals may require treatments beyond the limits discussed within this document, but such treatment will require clear documentation by the authorized treating practitioner focusing on objective functional gains afforded by further treatment and impact upon prognosis.
12. GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATIONS AND INCLUSION OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE are recommendations based on available evidence and/or consensus recommendations. When possible, guideline recommendations will note the level of evidence supporting the treatment recommendation. When interpreting medical evidence statements in the guideline, the following apply: