What the 2018 Georgia Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule Includes
The 2018 fee schedule released by the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation lists the statutory rates for medical services, wage loss, and other benefits payable to injured workers. It differs from prior versions by updating procedural codes, adjusting reimbursement caps for physical therapy, and adding new telehealth billing allowances. The schedule is available as a PDF that can be downloaded at no cost from the Board's official website.
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How to Access the Free PDF
Visit the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation's "Forms & Publications" page, locate the 2018 Fee Schedule entry, and click the download link. No registration or payment is required; the file is hosted on a government server for public use.
Key Rate Categories and Notable Changes
Understanding the main sections helps claim handlers apply the correct amounts:
- Medical Services – Updated CPT code list and higher rates for diagnostic imaging.
- Physical Therapy – New per‑session cap of $85, up from $75 in 2017.
- Wage Loss – Revised average weekly wage calculation based on the 2018 state average.
- Telehealth – Introduced a 10% surcharge for remote consultations.
Practical Use for Claim Professionals
When processing a claim, reference the schedule's table numbers to match the service provided. For example, a "simple fracture" treatment falls under Table 3, Line 12, which sets the allowable charge at $210. Cross‑checking ensures compliance with Georgia law and avoids overpayment disputes.
Comparison with 2017 Schedule
| Category | 2017 Rate | 2018 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy per session | $75 | $85 |
| X‑ray (CPT 71020) | $45 | $50 |
| Telehealth surcharge | None | 10% of base fee |
The table highlights the modest but important increases that affect overall claim costs.
Where to Find Additional Guidance
State Board newsletters and the "Workers' Compensation Manual" provide interpretive notes on ambiguous entries. Legal counsel or a certified workers' comp consultant can clarify complex cases, such as multi‑injury scenarios that span multiple fee schedule tables.