Can you treat patients outside of worker's compensation if they are under that insurance?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of how Worker’s Compensation (WC) insurance functions within the healthcare system in California. In the context of chiropractic care, if a patient is covered under a Worker’s Compensation policy, services provided must align with the guidelines and regulations specific to that coverage. This means that any treatment or service rendered should directly relate to the work-related injury or condition that the policy covers.

Treating patients outside of the parameters set by Worker’s Compensation would be inappropriate because it could violate the terms of their insurance coverage. It also may affect reimbursement for services rendered, potentially leading to liability issues for the chiropractor. Reimbursement is typically only granted for services that are deemed necessary and related to the accepted claims under Worker’s Compensation. Therefore, chiropractors must adhere strictly to the policies and practices outlined by Worker’s Compensation when treating patients under that coverage.