CPP Frequently Asked Questions

As physicians become certified, they will be added to a directory on the Bureau’s webpage.

Pending updated rules.

Only medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and doctors of chiropractic are eligible to become certified physicians.

According to Tennessee Rule and Regulations  0800-02-18-.02 (5),

(5) Certified Physician Program in Workers’ Compensation (CPP): Physicians certified through the Certified Physician Program shall receive an additional reimbursement for the following services:

• (a) Initial Assessment (billed as an additional code Z0815) ………………………. $80.00.
• (b) Subsequent visit (billed as an additional code Z0816) …………………………… $40.00.
• (c) Assessment of Permanent Impairment and timely completion of the Final Medical Report (C30-A) (billed as an additional code Z0817) …………………………... $100.00.
  

Only certified physicians are eligible to receive these additional fees and only for services directly rendered by the certified physician, not the physician’s mid-level providers. If a certified physician bills for 9920x or 9921x, then the certified physician is entitled to the additional payment. Diagnostic testing only is separate and does not entitle the physician to receive additional payment.

For further questions regarding CPP fees or the medical fee schedule, please contact Suzy Douglas at Suzy.Douglas@tn.gov or 615-532-1326.

Yes. The physician must pass a comprehensive multiple-choice test.

Additionally, physicians must be certified in impairment rating methodology from an approved organization. Each of these approved organizations has its own competency test for impairment rating methodology.

Physicians who have been appointed to the MIR Registry, because they have already had approved impairment training, do not need to provide additional proof of impairment rating training for appointment to the Certified Physician Program Registry. 

Since the course is online and self-paced, it will be accessible at the physician’s convenience. Course progress will be saved, so the physician will be able to continue from the last module completed.

The training is offered online and will likely take a total of eight or nine hours, not including the time required for the comprehensive tests.

Training topics include determining causation and permanent impairment, navigating the Tennessee workers’ compensation system, helping injured workers return to work, assigning maximum medical improvement and work limitations, following treatment guidelines, understanding court processes, practicing effective office and billing processes, communicating with the case manager and return-to-work coordinators, conducting independent medical examinations, and submitting utilization review appeals. 

Instructors for the CPP course include physicians, judges, and staff from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. 

While the modules are completely self-paced, the CPP website has several means of communication, including a messaging system and discussion forum where you can pose questions and comments to Bureau staff and other physicians taking the CPP course. It provides access to a professional collaborative network.

In addition, the Bureau will host quarterly live Q&A sessions with course instructors and Bureau Medical Directors. 

The physician may always choose to go “inactive” on the CPP registry or resign entirely.

Yes. The physician will receive CME credit if the physician completes all of the online training modules and passes a 60-question multiple-choice comprehensive test with a score of 80% or higher, the physician will receive a course attendance certificate from Meharry Medical College that awards 10.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.^TM The physician must first submit a survey of the course to receive credit.

Yes. Physicians must be certified in impairment rating methodology from an approved organization to be eligible for appointment to the CPP Registry. Each of these approved organizations has its own competency test for impairment rating methodology. A physician must provide proof of having received this training when the physician applies for appointment.

A physician does not have to have AMA Guides, Sixth Edition, training to register and take the Bureau’s free online course entitled “Best Practices for Treating and Evaluating Injured Workers,” but it is recommended that the physician be familiar with the AMA Guides, Sixth Edition, and its methodology, before taking the impairment rating module of this Best Practices course.

No. The Bureau Administrator has sole authority to approve or deny physician applications for appointment to the CPP Registry. Other factors that the Administrator may consider are:

• Current registry needs
• Conflicts of interest
• Noncompliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations
• Administrative priorities