MEMORANDUM NO. 2014-02

Updated WCC Medical Protocols for treatment of shoulder injuries effective April 1, 2014

In consultation with practitioners, insurers and the Medical Advisory Panel the medical protocols for treatment of injuries to the shoulder have been updated. These revisions reflect the latest changes in the medical field regarding new procedures, treatments and diagnostic tests.

These protocols are not meant to be absolute. There must be room for medical judgment. Medical providers are urged to contact the insurer if they feel that a treatment pattern other than the published protocol is required. It is expected that the payer will work with the provider to ensure that the injured worker receives the most appropriate treatment.

These protocols will be used by the Commission to evaluate whether a treatment is reasonable and appropriate based on the diagnosis of injury or illness. The effective date of these revised protocols is April 1, 2014.

The Commission, along with practitioners, insurers and the Medical Advisory Panel, is currently working on updates to the medical protocols for treatment of injuries to the knee, hand and foot/ankle. These will be published upon completion.

We are grateful to the medical professionals who have spent and continue to spend many hours working with us to bring the most appropriate and the highest standard of care to injured workers in Connecticut.

The protocols can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/WCC/publications/professional-guides/protocols.pdf.