Workers Compensation

Medical practices provide care and treatment to patients who have been injured while at work. Under Iowa law, the employer is responsible for the cost of medical care related to injuries arising out of and in the course of employment. The worker/patient cannot be charged for the cost of medical care received for a workplace injury.

Workers' compensation matters are governed by Iowa law and regulations of the Workers' Compensation Commissioner. Iowa Code chapters 85-87 relate to Workers' Compensation and the system for adjudicating workers' compensation disputes. Regulations of the Division of Workers' Compensation, provide details on the workings of the Workers' Compensation system, are found at Iowa Administrative Code chapter 876. The Division's webs site contains a great deal of information on the law, regulations, forms, and questions and answers. Go to http://www.iowaworkforce.org/wc.

Medical practices with questions for the Division are encouraged to contact the Division either by e-mail at iwd.dwc@iwd.state.ia.us or by calling (515) 281-5387.

Specific laws and regulations

The following citations may be of particular interest to medical practices with workers' compensation patients and claims.

This information is accessible by searching at Iowa Workforce Development - Division of Workers' Compensation.

  • Denial of workers' compensation liability by the employer, payment of claim by the worker's health plan, Iowa Code section 85.38(2), paragraph 2.
  • Release of medical records relative to a workers' compensation claim, Iowa Code section 85.27(2).
  • Health dispute resolution process, Iowa Administrative Code r. 876.10.3
  • Exchange of records, including fees, in workers' compensation claim, Iowa Administrative Code r. 876-8.9.
  • Authorization to Release Information Regarding Claimants Seeking Workers' Compensation Benefits. This form was developed by a workgroup under the auspices of the Workers' Compensation Commissioner. The form is on the Division's web site at http://www.iowaworkforce.org/wc/publications.htm.
  • Frequently Asked Question Concerning Workers' Compensation.

IMS and IHA Joint Letter to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner

In September 2005, the Iowa Medical Society and the Iowa Hospital Association met with Iowa's Workers' Compensation Commissioner, Michael Trier, regarding the challenges that hospitals and physician practices face in managing workers' compensation claims and billings. In addition, the letter addressed the workers' compensation medical fee schedule and requests by attorneys for medical records in worker compensation-related matters. View the letter (PDF 38KB).

IMS Letter to the Workers' Compensation Commissioner re: State-Imposed Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule

Commissioner Michael Trier informally sought input on the advisability of a state-mandated workers' compensation fee schedule based off of Medicare rates with a percentage increase. IMS, with the advice and direction of its Committee on Medical Services, filed a letter of opposition to this concept. The Commissioner informed IMS that he will not pursue a state-imposed workers compensation fee schedule at this time. View the letter (PDF 92KB).