Magnifying Glass
Back to Sponsored Content

TN: Bureau of Workers' Compensation Launches Physician Training Program

12 Sep, 2022 WorkersCompensation.com

                               
The Certified Physician Program Benefits Providers and Injured Tennessee Workers
NASHVILLE –  Employees who suffer work-related injuries face unique challenges when seeking medical treatment. Traditional medical training does not always cover the issues physicians encounter when treating a workers’ compensation patient. Because of this, the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) created the Certified Physician Program (CPP) which provides the specialized training needed to treat injured workers.

The centerpiece of the Certified Physician Program (CPP) is a free, online, self-paced, training course designed to teach physicians additional skills to help them successfully treat and evaluate injured workers. In exchange for accepting workers’ compensation patients, certified physicians are eligible to receive enhanced fees for initial and follow-up visits and for giving final impairment ratings. The CPP is designed to improve the experience for physicians, patients, and others, making it more appealing for physicians to accept workers’ compensation patients.

The CPP includes the Bureau-created training course, a comprehensive exam, and training in the AMA Guides®, 6th Edition that is required to apply for certification.
The benefits for participating physicians to take part in CPP include:
  • More exposure to attract business in workers’ compensation. The names and specialties of certified physicians will be published online, providing a directory of workers’ compensation physicians.
  • Enhanced fees for office visits and reports.
  • Greater confidence in knowledge and resources to meet the challenges associated with getting workers’ compensation patients to the best health and return-to-work outcomes.
  • Continuing Medical Education Credits.
  • Training that satisfies requirements for seeking an appointment to the Medical Impairment Rating Registry.
The Bureau has invested in developing the curriculum to provide valuable information on workers’ compensation, its unique challenges, and methods to collaborate with employers and employees to accomplish the goal of successful recovery for injured workers. The training course, Best Practices for Treating and Evaluating Injuring Workers, includes topics such as:
  • Treatment Guidelines
  • Utilization Review
  • Maximum Medical Improvement
  • Permanent Impairment Ratings
  • Court Processes
  • Office Processes & Payment Issues
  • Case Managers & Return-to-Work Coordinators
  • Permanent Restrictions
  • Independent Medical Exams
  • Causation
The Bureau hopes to create a strong network of physicians who are trained in workers' compensation practices to better help injured workers across the state improve their chances of a rapid recovery and effective return to work.  BWC encourages anyone who works with physicians to share information about the new CPP program.
 
The CPP is an important part of a larger program called REWARD, an acronym for Return Employees to Work And Reduce Disabilities. Several years ago, BWC and its stakeholders began exploring ways to help employers return their employees to their jobs more rapidly and reduce their disabilities after a work injury. In developing the REWARD program. The need for a physician program became clear.
CPP is only open to physicians and chiropractors and can be found at: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work/employers/employers/bwc-reward-rtw-program/cpp.html
 
For more information, please contact us at TN.WorkComp@tn.gov.

    • Read Also

    Kids’ Chance of America supports students affected by workplace tragedies  

    ‘Stronger Together’ theme of Kids’ Chance Week October 13-17, 2025  Annie woke up on the morning of her high school graduation to news that would change her life forever: Her father, a Texas law enforcement […]
    32 Organizations Win 2025 Theo Awards for Exceptional Worker Protection Innovations 

    Second annual awards recognize employers achieving millions in cost savings through AI-powered prevention, mental health breakthroughs, and pandemic resilience strategies  Nashville, TN – Thirty-two organizations have been honored with the 2025 Theo Awards, marking the […]
    In Tribute to Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers Founding Partner James B. Hiers, Jr

    It is with great sadness that the law firm of Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers announces the passing of James B. Hiers, Jr, the last surviving founding member of the firm now in its 60th year.   Jim […]

    About The Author

    • WorkersCompensation.com

    More by This Author

    WorkCompCollege.com Study Hall 

    February 2025 Curriculum: Workers’ Recovery Professional (WRP)Course: Preventing Work Comp Fraud ... It Takes a Village School: Legal Faculty: Curt DeVries; President, Fraudsniffr  Curt is a 35-year claims professional with extensive claim handling and management experience in both […]
    Free Access: Transform Your Workflow with the New Specialty Solutions Toolkit

    In the fast-paced world of workers' compensation, staying organized and efficient is crucial. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce a game-changing resource specifically designed for claims professionals like you—the Specialty Solutions Toolkit. This innovative, no-cost […]
    Ametros’ Melissa Coleman Honored by the IAIABC as a 2024 NextGen Winner

    Wilmington, Mass. (June 24, 2024) – The IAIABC has recognized Melissa Coleman as a 2024 NextGen Award Winner. Coleman is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Ametros, which helps people manage their medical funds following workers’ […]

    Read More

    Kids’ Chance of America supports students affected by workplace tragedies  

    ‘Stronger Together’ theme of Kids’ Chance Week October 13-17, 2025  Annie woke up on the morning of her high school graduation to news that would change her life forever: Her father, a Texas law enforcement […]
    32 Organizations Win 2025 Theo Awards for Exceptional Worker Protection Innovations 

    Second annual awards recognize employers achieving millions in cost savings through AI-powered prevention, mental health breakthroughs, and pandemic resilience strategies  Nashville, TN – Thirty-two organizations have been honored with the 2025 Theo Awards, marking the […]
    In Tribute to Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers Founding Partner James B. Hiers, Jr

    It is with great sadness that the law firm of Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers announces the passing of James B. Hiers, Jr, the last surviving founding member of the firm now in its 60th year.   Jim […]
    Kids’ Chance of California Awards $323,365 in Scholarships to 47 Students 

    Encinitas, CA — September 5, 2025— Kids’ Chance of California, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational opportunities to children of California workers seriously injured or killed on the job, proudly announces the awarding of 47 […]
    Speedy Return to Work with Scan.com: A Smart, Cost-Saving Strategy 

    The Cost of Delay  Each day that an injured employee stays home, costs pile up. Carriers and payers foot the bill for lost wages, temporary disability payments, and ongoing medical care.i Employers shoulder the burden […]
    Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Reference Chart for Adjusters, Produced by AI

    Coverage Requirements Employers with five or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Independent contractors, domestic workers, and farm laborers are generally excluded. Self-insurance is available for qualified employers. Claim Reporting & Filing Trigger Action […]