What is the primary purpose of medical treatment disputes in workers' compensation cases?

The primary purpose of medical treatment disputes in workers' compensation cases is to assess whether treatments are medically necessary. This focus is essential because workers' compensation is designed to provide benefits for injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment, including necessary medical care to facilitate recovery and return to work. When disputes arise, it is typically to determine if the proposed treatment falls within accepted standards of care for the worker's injury and whether it is appropriate for their specific condition.

Medical necessity directly impacts the decision-making process of adjusters and medical professionals involved in the case. It is crucial to ensure that the treatments the injured worker receives are needed for their recovery and are not excessive or unrelated to the work-related injury. Thus, disputes often center on whether the evidence supports that the treatments recommended are essential for the worker's rehabilitation, which aligns with the purpose of the workers' compensation system to provide appropriate care and support for workers who have sustained injuries on the job.