April 2, 2008 - It has been over a year since the WCB and DoctorsNS signed a new agreement providing increased fees to physicians for enhanced assessment and services to injured workers.

Under the new agreement physicians must properly complete medical reports and submit them within a specified time frame, in order to receive the enhanced service fee.

Since the agreement became effective the WCB has received thousands of medical reports from physicians demonstrating their high level of commitment to quality care for injured workers in Nova Scotia.

While the overall response to the new requirements by physicians has been positive, there is a significant gap in the service provided by some physicians.

On October 1st 2007, the WCB began a comprehensive review of the completed patient assessment form 8/10s and found a significant number to be non-compliant with the contract terms.

In March 2008, the WCB began contacting non-compiant physicans to notify them any further non-compliance will result in payment reversals. In early April physicians will see adjustments on their MSI payment statements and associated employers will see negative deductions on their advice notices later in April.

Any questions related to these reversals should be directed to Dr. Jamie Cox, Chief Medical Officer, WCB of Nova Scotia at (902) 491-8339 or toll free at 1-800-870-3331.