How often should the Med/Legal fee schedule be updated?

The Med/Legal fee schedule in California's workers' compensation system should be updated "as needed." This means that adjustments can be made in response to changes in the medical community, economic conditions, or other relevant factors that may influence medical-legal fees. Such a flexible approach allows the fee schedule to remain current and reflective of market conditions, ensuring that fees remain appropriate for the services provided.

By choosing to update the schedule as necessary rather than on a fixed timeframe, regulators can better respond to immediate changes and needs that arise in the system. This practice stands in contrast to more rigid timelines like annually, every two years, or every five years, which might not take into account the speed at which healthcare costs and practices can evolve.

The decision to update as needed also allows for stakeholder feedback and consultation, which can lead to a more informed and balanced fee schedule that serves the interests of both injured workers and medical providers.