New York Workers' Comp Board Expands Access to DME PAR Submissions: A Victory for Equitable Healthcare Access
In a significant win for equitable healthcare access in the state of New York, our organization is delighted to announce a successful advocacy effort that has led to a pivotal change in who can submit Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Prior Authorization Requests (PAR) in OnBoard. In its most recent Bulletin, the Workers’ Compensation Board announced that it will be updating OnBoard allowing Provider Delegates to submit PAR requests (formerly, Provider Delegates were only authorized to draft DME PARs). This victory represents a positive step towards streamlining the process and ensuring that injured workers receive the necessary medical equipment promptly.
Historically, the submission of DME PARs in New York was limited to healthcare providers, placing an additional burden on medical professionals and potentially causing delays in the authorization of crucial equipment for injured workers. Our organization recognized this challenge and sought to address it through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration.
Our organization engaged with key stakeholders at the Workers’ Comp Board, including Chair Clarissa Rodriguez. We highlighted the need for a more efficient system that allows for the involvement of diverse stakeholders who play a vital role in ensuring injured workers' well-being and timely access to medical equipment.
As a result of our efforts, the New York Workers' Compensation Board has expanded the pool of individuals and organizations eligible to submit DME PARs. This progressive change now includes a broader range of professionals and entities, such as case managers, clinical and non-clinical staff, and other stakeholders involved in the care of injured workers.
This expansion of eligibility for DME PAR submissions is a significant step towards ensuring that injured workers in New York receive the care they deserve without unnecessary delays. It promotes collaboration among various healthcare providers and stakeholders, streamlining the authorization process, and ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Our organization remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of injured workers and equitable access to healthcare resources. This victory serves as a testament to the positive impact that collective advocacy efforts can have on shaping healthcare policy for the betterment of all stakeholders involved. We look forward to continuing our work in pursuit of fair and efficient healthcare access for all residents of New York.
Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board Clarissa Rodriguez
Authentic DME attended the New York Self-Insurers Association 2023 Spring Workshop at the Gideon-Putnam in Saratoga Springs.
September 1, 2023