Workers' compensation -- Medical benefits
Specific parameters
Specific treatment parameters define appropriate treatment for the following:
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medical imaging for low back conditions
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low back pain
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neck pain
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thoracic back pain
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upper extremity disorders
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reflex sympathetic dystrophy
The structure of the parameters is the same for each condition but the time frames and other details may differ.
See Minnesota Rules Part 5221.6200 to 5221.6300.
The specific parameters address three stages of treatment for each of the above conditions:
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initial nonsurgical
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surgical evaluation
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chronic management
Appropriate treatment modalities or types of treatment are discussed in the specific treatment parameters. These categories are:
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passive care
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active care
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therapeutic injections
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medication
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durable medical equipment
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surgery (cross referenced to other sections)
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chronic management (cross referenced to other sections)
All medical conditions that have not improved at the conclusion of the initial nonsurgical phase, or that the physician believes are nonsurgical, or where surgery has been refused or has failed, must enter into the chronic management phase. The emphasis during this phase is meant to focus on restoration of maximum functional status. Consequently, passive care is usually stopped in the chronic management phase.
and workers
