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This summary sets forth various workers' compensation regulations regarding outpatient physical therapy services. The Workers' Compensation State Regulations resource may serve as a tool to assist in locating regulations. Information in this database was obtained from publicly available materials on the internet, unless otherwise noted. Please send database comments and corrections to advocacy@apta.org.

To the extent an individual or entity wishes to rely upon information contained in this resource, such reliance should be based upon an independent legal review and analysis of applicable law. This resource was prepared for informational purposes only and is not offered or intended, nor should it be relied upon, for legal advice for any specific set of circumstances. Additional legal doctrines, federal and state statutes, and case law not set forth herein may apply to your situation and such laws, rules and regulations can vary from state to state. You should consult with your own attorney to obtain specific legal advice on your particular facts and circumstances and applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Key Resources/Links

Agency:
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Workers' Compensation

Contact information:
Phone: 907/465-2590
E-mail Alaska DWC

News & Updates:
Subscribe to WC – What's New
Alaska DWC Bulletins

Other:
Alaska Administrative Code Title 8 Chapter 45 Section 82 – Medical Treatment (See 8.42.082(i) for fee information)
Bulletin 11-04 Fees for Medical Treatment
Purchase fee schedule from OptumInsightTM

Therapy Regulations

Question Response Detail Citation
What is the conversion factor for outpatient therapy services? N/A UCR fee schedule maintained by OptumInsight http://labor.state.ak.us/wc/bulletins/09-06.pdf
What is the basis of the fee schedule for outpatient therapy services? Other May not exceed fees established in the official fee schedule, effective 12/31/10. 8 AAC 45.082. Medical treatment
(see subsection M)
Are there limits on the number of physical therapy visits allowed? Yes 3 visits/week in month 1;
2 visits/week in months 2 and 3;
1 visit/week for months 4 and 5;
1 visit/month for months 6-12.

Frequency standard can be adjusted based on a written plan of care.
8 AAC 45.082. Medical treatment
(see subsections f, g, and h)
Are there limits on payment per visit for outpatient therapy services? No    
Do regulations require use of treatment guidelines? No    
Is a referral required in order to see a physical therapist? No   8 AAC 45.082. Medical treatment
(see subsections a and b)
Can outpatient fees be negotiated above or below the fee schedule? 1 Yes - Cannot exceed fee schedule. 8 AAC 45.082 Medical treatment (see subsection M)
Can the injured worker be charged for any claim-related services? Yes, in some cases An employee or employer may choose to pay for services that exceed the frequency standards even though payment is not required by the board or by AS 23.30.095. 8 AAC 45.082. Medical treatment
(see subsection h)
Are there workers' compensation regulations about who can provide services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist? No Default to state practice act  
Are there provider network and/or managed care regulations in place? No    
Are there regulations that address which fee schedule applies if an injured worker from this state seeks treatment in another state? Unknown    
Are there regulations regarding Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)? No    

1 While some states use a mandatory fee schedule, many states have provisions for fees to be negotiated above or below the published fee schedule. "Yes + / - " indicates that fees can be negotiated above or below the fee schedule. "Yes -" indicates that fees can only be negotiated below the fee schedule.

The following payer types conduct business in this state.
Private Carriers - Yes
Self-insured Employers or Groups - Yes
Competitive State Fund - No
Exclusive State Fund - No
State Comp Fund (last resort) - No