The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) will conduct two separate seminars on
Thursday, October 6 in Oakland to educate claims managers, bill reviewers and others who deal with
medical billing issues about the new medical billing standards for paper bills that take effect October 15 of
this year and the electronic billing standards that take effect October 18, 2012.
The first seminar will be a 2.5 hour session (9-11:45 a.m.) reviewing the general rules for both paper
and electronic medical billing and payment, as well as the standards specific to paper billings. This session
will include a review of the new forms and the standard “Bill Adjustment Reason Codes” (BARCs) that
must be used to explain each adjusted payment or nonpayment of a workers’ compensation medical bill. The
second program will run from 12:45-4:30 p.m., and will examine the e-billing standards and outline the
extensive preparations that will be necessary for billers, payors and others to meet the 2012 implementation
deadline. This more technical afternoon program will be especially helpful to programmers and technical
staff who deal with medical billing and reimbursement matters, and those responsible for ensuring medical
security. Because the general rules for both paper and electronic billing will be covered in the morning, it is
recommended that those attending the afternoon session also attend the morning program.
The programs will be presented by CWCI Claims and Medical Director Brenda Ramirez and Stacy
Jones of Oakland-based SLJ Consulting, both of whom served on the DWC Task Force on California ebilling
requirements and worked with IAIABC’s EDI Medical and ProPay Committees to help develop
national EDI standards for workers’ compensation. CWCI General Counsel Mike McClain will moderate the
sessions. Certificates of attendance will be issued at the end of each session for those who need credit
toward the Department of Insurance claims adjuster and medical bill reviewer certification requirements).
CWCI will hold the seminars at the 5-Star Conference Center at Oakland City Center, a half block
west of the 12th Street/City Center BART. Tuition is $150 for each session, or $250 for both, with discounts
available for employees of CWCI member companies. Space is very limited, so early registration is
encouraged. For details or to register, visit the Institute’s website at www.cwci.org.