What Does it Mean? Workers’ Comp Vocabulary

Acronyms

ALJ: Administrative Law Judge
DOWC: Division of Workers’ Compensation
IME: Independent Medical Exam
FA: Final Admission

Terminology

Notice of Contest: A statement by an insurance company denying responsibility for payment of benefits. The basis for the denial is outlined in the notice of contest. If the reason for denial is further investigation, the patient may want to contact the insurance adjuster handling your claim to determine what information is lacking and how they may assist in obtaining the necessary information to expedite review. The name and phone number of the adjuster should appear on the Notice of Contest form. If the claim has been denied, the patient may be responsible for all medical bills associated with the illness or injury.

Temporary Disability Benefits: Individuals who lose more than three days or three shifts of work as the result of a work-related injury or disease may be eligible to receive a form of wage replacement beginning on the forth day of work loss. This benefit is called temporary disability. Once started, temporary benefits must be paid every two weeks until terminated in accordance with the law.

You’ll find a more exhaustive list of acronyms and terms here.