Ca Participating Application – Fill Out and Use This PDF

State of California, Division of Workers’ Compensation

REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION

DWC Form RFA

Attach the Doctor’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness, Form DLSR 5021, a Treating Physician’s Progress Report, DWC Form PR-2, or equivalent narrative report substantiating the requested treatment.

Requested Treatment (see instructions for guidance; attached additional pages if necessary)

List each specific requested medical services, goods, or items in the below space or indicate the specific page number(s) of the attached medical report on which the requested treatment can be found. Up to five (5) procedures may be entered; list additional requests on a separate sheet if the space below is insufficient.

Instructions for Request for Authorization Form

Warning: Private healthcare information is contained in the Request for Authorization for Medical Treatment, DWC Form RFA. The form can only go to other treating providers and to the claims administrator.

Overview: The Request for Authorization for Medical Treatment (DWC Form RFA) is required for the employee’s treating physician to initiate the utilization review process required by Labor Code section 4610. A Doctor’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness, Form DLSR 5021, a Treating Physician’s Progress Report, DWC Form PR-2, or equivalent narrative report substantiating the requested treatment must be attached. The DWC Form RFA is not a separately reimbursable report under the Official Medical Fee Schedule, found at California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 9789.10 et seq.

Checkboxes: Check the appropriate box at the top of the form. Indicate whether:

This is a new treatment request for the employee or the resubmission of a previously denied request based on a change in material facts regarding the employee’s condition. A resubmission is appropriate if the facts that provided the basis for the initial utilization review decision have subsequently changed such that the decision is no longer applicable to the employee’s current condition. Include documentation supporting your claim.

Review should be expedited based on an imminent and serious threat to the employee’s health. A request for expedited review must be supported by documentation substantiating the employee’s condition.

The request is a written confirmation of an earlier oral request.

Routing Information: This form can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the address, fax number, or e-mail address designated by the claims administrator for this purpose. The requesting physician must complete all identifying information regarding the employee, the claims administrator, and the physician.

Requested Treatment: The DWC Form RFA must contain all the information needed to substantiate the request for authorization. If the request is to continue a treatment plan or therapy, please attach documentation indicating progress, if applicable.

List the diagnosis (required), the ICD Code (required), the specific service/good requested (required), and applicable CPT/HCPCS code (if known).

Include, as necessary, the frequency, duration, quantity, etc. Reference to specific guidelines used to support treatment should also be included.

For requested treatment that is: (a) inconsistent with the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS) found at California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 9792.20, et seq.; or (b) for a condition or injury not addressed by the MTUS, you may include scientifically based evidence published in peer-reviewed, nationally recognized journals that recommend the specific medical treatment or diagnostic services to justify your request.

Requesting Physician Signature: Signature/Date line is located under the requested treatment box. A signature by the treating physician is mandatory.

Claims Administrator/URO Response: Upon receipt of the DWC Form RFA, a claims administrator must respond within the timeframes and in the manner set forth in Labor Code section 4610 and California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 9792.9.1. To communicate its approval on requested treatment, the claims administrator may complete the lower portion of the DWC Form RFA and fax it back to the requesting provider. (Use of the DWC Form RFA is optional when communicating approvals of treatment; a claims administrator may utilize other means of written notification.) If multiple treatments are requested, indicate in comments section if any individual request is being denied or referred to utilization review.