Q: hi doc joel... i am new in practice..last week was my first week open and i generated $900. Saturaday i got a work comp case. i did a detailed exam, some mech traction, e-stim/hot packs and adjustments. i got all his info and verified his injury with his employer. i have no idea how to bill. Pt. is returning tuesday. should i contact work comp office in colorado?? NYCC didnt teach us this stuff.(lol) i have a fee schedule for WC from Colorado Chiro Association, but i dont know which roads to take. the pt. was treated in ER after the accident (his 4 wheeler flipped on him) do i need to contact the MD who treated his other injuries(he fx wrist, ribs and had deep kidney bruises)i am certified to take WC cases and the books they gave me do not discuss these aspects. any advice will be greatly appreciated. You have helped me tremendously in the past and your Start Smart book is great..i just told my buddy to purchase it and gave him your address. thanks A: Thanks for your e-mail. Be sure to use local resources available for all answers to your questions .. they are local DC's or the association. I would call some local DC or the association and ask them pertinent questions related to billing within Colorado. Many states have specific rules related to WC. I can speak for Georgia and this is what I would do if you were here. First .. if you are the approved doctor (in Georgia you have to be approved by the insurance company depending upon a few parameters) then you care for the patient as you wish. I wrote a short form which I have the patient sign requesting records from the ER .. a letter which would say: Please send to Dr... (your address and fax number) records related to my visit on (date) including radiology and entry/treatment report. (Signed). something to this effect. Call the hospital and get the fax number of the ER department and just fax or send it. As far as a personal MD .. you can do the same. In order to send claims on the timely basis and properly done I would ask a local DC as mentioned above. You can also call the state WC and ask them as well. It can't be too complicated and as long as you keep proper SOAP notes and bill correctly there shouldn't be a problem. But as mentioned above .. just ask a local DC most want to help. If you need some specific advice for Colorado and do not know who to ask .. I can post your question .. just reply if you need a posting by Wednesday Have a Great Day Dr. M