Last Updated: 6/15/2023

Iowa is an employer choice state which generally means that the employer and/or their insurance company get to choose the medical providers that their injured workers go to.  With this in mind, they are also supposed to pay for the medical bills for the medical providers they choose.  So the biggest issue for medical providers is to make sure they are an authorized medical provider.  If they are not authorized, then chances are very high that the workers' compensation insurance company will not pay their bill and they will have to look for payment elsewhere.  This can mean submitting the bills to the patient's health insurance company and/or payment directly from the patient. 

What is an Authorized Provider?

First of all, the medical provider should have in writing that their medical care and treatment is being authorized and approved by the work comp. insurance company.  However, even for authorized medical providers, many insurance companies will "audit" the bill and reduce the amount of payment that the medical providers receive.  Sometimes medical providers will then bill the injured worker for the difference of what they charged minus what they were paid which is not allowed under Iowa law.  If there is a dispute about the reasonable charge for the medical care entered, the medical provider and the insurance company can take their dispute before the Iowa Workers' Compensation Agency.  This should not be a dispute that the injured worker is involved in. 

What if My Claim is Denied?

Denied Claims  Another issue that comes up is if the workers' compensation claim has been denied.  If the claim has been denied, then the injured worker should have received a letter stating that it is a denied claim.  The medical provider can ask for a copy of the letter for their records should they need it.  If the injured worker's claim has been denied then Iowa law provides that the patient's health insurance company shall pay for the medical care and treatment.  Iowa Code § 85.38(2)(a) provides:

If an employer denies liability under this chapter . . . for payment for any medical services received by an employee with a disability, and the employee is a beneficiary under either an individual or group plan for non-occupational illness, injury, or disability, the non-occupational plan SHALL NOT deny payment for the medical services on the basis that the employer's liability for the medical services under this chapter . . . is unresolved.

(Emphasis added).

Overall, billing a workers' compensation insurance company can be sometimes frustrating and difficult.  However, if the above suggestions are followed it should make things less difficult. 

Iowa Workers' Compensation GuideTo learn more about Iowa's workers' compensation system, including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work, order a copy of our book “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” by clicking the link or by calling 641-792-3595Why offer a Book at No Cost?  Iowa Workers' Compensation Attorney Corey J. L. Walker offers his book at no cost because he has represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and seen too many clients make mistakes before they knew about their rights and responsibilities costing them thousands of dollars.  Iowans injured on the job are beginning to realize that the work comp. insurance company is not there to help them and they should at least consider having someone on their side to help them.  Finally, you can learn about Iowa work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no cost, risk or obligation.   For immediate assistance call 515-440-2852 and ask for Corey. 

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.
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