DWD 81.09(3)(i)(i) Splints, braces, and other movement-restricting appliances. Bracing required for longer than 2 weeks shall be accompanied by active motion exercises to avoid stiffness and prolonged disability. All of the following guidelines apply to splints, braces, and other movement-restricting appliances: DWD 81.09(3)(i)2.2. Maximum treatment frequency is limited to intermittent use during times of increased physical stress or prophylactic use at work. DWD 81.09(3)(i)3.3. Maximum continuous duration is 8 weeks. Prophylactic use is allowed indefinitely. DWD 81.09(3)(j)(j) Rest. Prolonged restriction of activity and immobilization are detrimental to a patient’s recovery. Total restriction of use of an affected body part may not be prescribed for more than 2 weeks, unless rigid immobilization is required. In cases of rigid immobilization, active motion exercises at adjacent joints shall begin no later than 2 weeks after application of the immobilization. DWD 81.09(4)(a)(a) A health care provider shall use active treatment modalities as set forth in pars. (b) to (f). A health care provider’s use of active treatment modalities may extend past the 12-week limitation on passive treatment modalities so long as the maximum treatment for the active treatment modality is not exceeded. DWD 81.09(4)(b)(b) Education shall teach the patient about pertinent anatomy and physiology as it relates to upper extremity function for the purpose of injury prevention. Education includes training on posture, biomechanics, and relaxation. The maximum number of treatments is 3 visits which include an initial education and training session, and 2 follow-up visits. DWD 81.09(4)(c)(c) Posture and work method training shall instruct the patient in the proper performance of job activities. Topics include proper positioning of the trunk, neck, and arms, use of optimum biomechanics in performing job tasks, and appropriate pacing of activities. Methods include didactic sessions, demonstrations, exercises, and simulated work tasks. The maximum number of treatments is 3 visits. DWD 81.09(4)(d)(d) Worksite analysis and modification shall examine the patient’s work station, tools, and job duties. A health care provider may make recommendations for the alteration of the work station, selection of alternate tools, modification of job duties, and provision of adaptive equipment. The maximum number of treatments is 3 visits. DWD 81.09(4)(e)(e) Exercise, which is important to the success of a nonsurgical treatment program and a return to normal activity, shall include active patient participation in activities designed to increase flexibility, strength, endurance, or muscle relaxation. Exercise shall, at least in part, be specifically aimed at the musculature of the upper extremity. While aerobic exercise may be performed as adjunctive treatment, this shall not be the primary focus of the exercise program. DWD 81.09(4)(f)(f) Exercises shall be evaluated to determine if the desired goals are being attained. Strength, flexibility, or endurance shall be objectively measured. A health care provider may objectively measure the treatment response as often as necessary for optimal care after the initial evaluation. Subdivisions 1. and 2. govern supervised and unsupervised exercise, except for computerized exercise programs and health clubs, which are governed by s. DWD 81.13. DWD 81.09(4)(f)1.1. ‘Guidelines for supervised exercise.’ One goal of an exercise program shall be to teach the patient how to maintain and maximize any gains experienced from exercise. Self-management of the condition shall be promoted. All of the following guidelines apply to supervised exercise: DWD 81.09(4)(f)1.a.a. Maximum treatment frequency is up to 3 times per week for 3 weeks and shall decrease with time until the end of the maximum treatment duration period in subd. 1. b. DWD 81.09(4)(f)2.2. ‘Guidelines for unsupervised exercise.’ Unsupervised exercise shall be provided in the least intensive setting and may supplement or follow the period of supervised exercise. DWD 81.09(5)(a)(a) For purposes of this subsection, “therapeutic injections” include injections of trigger points, sympathetic nerves, peripheral nerves, and soft tissues. A health care provider may only give therapeutic injections in conjunction with active treatment modalities directed to the same anatomical site. A health care provider’s use of injections may extend past the 12-week limitation on passive modalities, so long as the maximum treatment for injections in pars. (b) to (d) is not exceeded. DWD 81.09(5)(b)(b) All of the following guidelines apply to trigger point injections: DWD 81.09(5)(b)2.2. Maximum treatment frequency is once per week to any one site if there is a positive response to the first injection at that site. If subsequent injections at that site demonstrate diminishing control of symptoms or fail to facilitate objective functional gains, trigger point injections shall be redirected to other areas or discontinued. Only 3 injections to different sites per patient visit. DWD 81.09(5)(b)3.3. Maximum treatment is 4 injections to any one site over the course of treatment. DWD 81.09(5)(c)(c) For purposes of this paragraph, “soft tissue injections” include injections of a bursa, tendon, tendon sheath, ganglion, tendon insertion, ligament, or ligament insertion. All of the following guidelines apply to soft tissue injections: DWD 81.09(5)(c)2.2. Maximum treatment frequency is once per month to any one site if there is a positive response to the first injection. If subsequent injections demonstrate diminishing control of symptoms or fail to facilitate objective functional gains, then injections shall be discontinued. Only 3 injections to different sites per patient visit. DWD 81.09(5)(c)3.3. Maximum treatment is 3 injections to any one site over the course of treatment. DWD 81.09(5)(d)(d) All of the following guidelines apply to injections for median nerve entrapment at the carpal tunnel: DWD 81.09(5)(d)2.2. Maximum treatment frequency may permit repeat injection in one month if there is a positive response to the first injection. Only 3 injections to different sites per patient visit. DWD 81.09(5)(d)3.3. Maximum treatment is 2 injections to any one site over the course of treatment. DWD 81.09(6)(b)(b) In order to optimize the beneficial effect of surgery, postoperative therapy with active and passive treatment modalities may be provided, even if these modalities had been used in the preoperative treatment of the condition. In the postoperative period the maximum treatment duration with passive treatment modalities in a clinical setting from initiation of the first passive modality used, except bedrest or bracing, is as follows: DWD 81.09(6)(b)1.1. Sixteen weeks for rotator cuff repair, acromioclavicular ligament repair, or any surgery for a clinical category in this section that requires joint reconstruction. DWD 81.09(6)(b)2.2. Eight weeks for all other surgery for clinical categories in this section. DWD 81.09(7)(7) Chronic management. Chronic management of upper extremity disorders shall be provided according to the guidelines in s. DWD 81.13. DWD 81.09(8)(a)(a) A health care provider may direct the use of durable medical equipment only in the situations specified in pars. (b) to (e). DWD 81.09(8)(c)(c) For patients using an electrical muscle stimulation device at home, the device and any required supplies are necessary within the guidelines of sub. (3) (e). DWD 81.09(8)(d)(d) Exercise equipment for home use, including bicycles, treadmills, and stairclimbers, are necessary only as part of an approved chronic management program. This equipment is not necessary during initial nonsurgical care or during reevaluation and surgical therapy. If the employer has an appropriate exercise facility on its premises with the prescribed equipment the insurer may mandate use of that facility instead of authorizing purchase of the equipment for home use. DWD 81.09(8)(d)1.1. ‘Indications.’ The patient is deconditioned and requires reconditioning that can be accomplished only with the use of the prescribed exercise equipment. A health care provider shall document specific reasons why the exercise equipment is necessary and may not be replaced with other activities. DWD 81.09(8)(d)2.2. ‘Requirements.’ The use of the equipment shall have specific goals and there shall be a specific set of prescribed activities. DWD 81.09(8)(e)(e) All of the following durable medical equipment is not necessary for home use for the upper extremity disorders specified in subs. (11) to (16): DWD 81.09(8)(e)1.1. Whirlpools, Jacuzzis, hot tubs, and special bath or shower attachments. DWD 81.09(9)(9) Evaluation of treatment by health care provider. DWD 81.09(9)(a)(a) A health care provider shall evaluate at each visit whether the treatment is medically necessary and whether initial nonsurgical treatment is effective according to pars. (b) to (e). No later than the time for treatment response established for the specific modality in subs. (3) to (5), a health care provider shall evaluate whether the passive, active, injection, or medication treatment modality is resulting in progressive improvement as specified in pars. (b) to (e). DWD 81.09(9)(b)(b) The patient’s subjective complaints of pain or disability are progressively improving, as evidenced by documentation in the medical record of decreased distribution, frequency, or intensity of symptoms. DWD 81.09(9)(c)(c) The objective clinical findings are progressively improving as evidenced by documentation in the medical record of resolution or objectively measured improvement in physical signs of injury. DWD 81.09(9)(d)(d) The patient’s functional status, especially vocational activity, is progressively improving, as evidenced by documentation in the medical record or documentation of work ability involving less restrictive limitations on activity. DWD 81.09(9)(e)(e) If there is not progressive improvement in at least 2 categories specified in pars. (b) to (d), the modality shall be discontinued or significantly modified or a health care provider shall reconsider the diagnosis. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment modality may be delegated to an allied health professional directly providing the treatment but remains the ultimate responsibility of the treating health care provider. DWD 81.09(10)(a)(a) Prescription of controlled substance medications scheduled under ch. 450, Stats., including opioids and narcotics, are necessary primarily for the treatment of severe acute pain. Therefore, these medications are not generally recommended in the treatment of patients with upper extremity disorders. DWD 81.09(10)(b)(b) A health care provider shall document the rationale for the use of any scheduled medication. Treatment with nonscheduled medication may be appropriate during any phase of treatment and intermittently after all other treatment has been discontinued. The prescribing health care provider shall determine that ongoing medication is effective treatment for the patient’s condition. DWD 81.09(11)(11) Specific treatment guidelines for epicondylitis. DWD 81.09(11)(a)(a) A health care provider shall use initial nonsurgical management for all patients with epicondylitis and this shall be the first phase of treatment. DWD 81.09(11)(a)1.1. The passive, active, injection, durable medical equipment, and medication treatment modalities and procedures specified in subs. (3), (4), (5), (8), and (10) may be used in sequence or simultaneously during the period of initial nonsurgical management depending on the severity of the condition. After the first week of treatment, initial nonsurgical care shall at all times include active treatment modalities under sub. (4). DWD 81.09(11)(a)2.2. Initial nonsurgical management shall be provided in the least intensive setting consistent with quality health care practices. DWD 81.09(11)(a)3.3. Except as provided in sub. (3), the use of passive treatment modalities in a clinic setting or requiring attendance by a health care provider for a period in excess of 12 weeks is not necessary. DWD 81.09(11)(a)4.4. Use of home-based treatment modalities with monitoring by the treating health care provider may continue for up to 12 months. At any time during this period the patient may be a candidate for chronic management if surgery is ruled out as an appropriate treatment. DWD 81.09(11)(b)(b) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after initial nonsurgical management and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life, including regular vocational activities, then surgical evaluation or chronic management is necessary. The purpose and goal of surgical evaluation is to determine whether surgery is necessary for the patient who has failed to recover with appropriate nonsurgical care or chronic management. DWD 81.09(11)(b)1.1. Surgical evaluation, if necessary, shall begin no later than 12 months after beginning initial nonsurgical management. DWD 81.09(11)(b)2.2. Surgical evaluation may include the use of appropriate laboratory and electrodiagnostic testing within the guidelines of sub. (1), if not already obtained during the initial evaluation. Repeat testing is not necessary unless there has been an objective change in the patient’s condition that in itself would warrant further testing. Failure to improve with therapy does not, by itself, warrant further testing. DWD 81.09(11)(b)3.3. Plain films may be appropriate if there is a history of trauma, infection, or inflammatory disorder and are subject to the general guidelines in s. DWD 81.05 (1). Other medical imaging studies are not necessary. DWD 81.09(11)(b)4.4. Surgical evaluation may also include personality or psychological evaluation consistent with the guidelines of sub. (1) (i). DWD 81.09(11)(b)5.5. Consultation with other health care providers is an important part of surgical evaluation of a patient who fails to recover with appropriate initial nonsurgical management. The need for consultation and the choice of consultant will be determined by the diagnostic findings and the patient’s condition. DWD 81.09(11)(b)6.6. If surgery is necessary, it may be performed after initial nonsurgical management fails. DWD 81.09(11)(b)7.7. If surgery is not necessary or if the patient does not wish to proceed with surgery, then the patient is a candidate for chronic management. An initial recommendation or decision against surgery does not preclude surgery at a later date. DWD 81.09(11)(c)(c) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after surgery or the patient refused surgery or the patient was not a candidate for surgery, and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life including regular vocational activities, then the patient may be a candidate for chronic management under s. DWD 81.13. DWD 81.09(12)(12) Specific treatment guidelines for tendinitis of forearm, wrist, and hand. DWD 81.09(12)(a)(a) Except as provided in par. (b) 3., a health care provider shall use initial nonsurgical management for all patients with tendonitis and this shall be the first phase of treatment. Any course or program of initial nonsurgical management shall meet all of the guidelines of sub. (11) (a). DWD 81.09(12)(b)(b) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after initial nonsurgical management and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life, including regular vocational activities, then surgical evaluation or chronic management is necessary. Surgical evaluation and surgical therapy shall meet all of the guidelines of sub. (11) (b), with the following modifications: DWD 81.09(12)(b)1.1. For patients with a specific diagnosis of de Quervain’s syndrome, surgical evaluation and surgical therapy, if necessary, may begin after only 2 months of initial nonsurgical management. DWD 81.09(12)(b)2.2. For patients with a specific diagnosis of trigger finger or trigger thumb, surgical evaluation and potential surgical therapy may begin after only one month of initial nonsurgical management. DWD 81.09(12)(b)3.3. For patients with a locked finger or thumb, surgery may be necessary immediately without any preceding nonsurgical management. DWD 81.09(12)(c)(c) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after surgery, or the patient refused surgery or the patient was not a candidate for surgery, and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life including regular vocational activities, then the patient may be a candidate for chronic management. Any course or program of chronic management for patients with tendonitis shall be provided under the guidelines of s. DWD 81.13. DWD 81.09(13)(13) Specific treatment guidelines for nerve entrapment syndromes. DWD 81.09(13)(a)(a) A health care provider shall use initial nonsurgical management for all patients with nerve entrapment syndromes, except as specified in par. (b) 2., and this shall be the first phase of treatment. Any course or program of initial nonsurgical management shall meet all of the guidelines of sub. (11) (a), with the following modifications: Nonsurgical management may be inappropriate for patients with advanced symptoms and signs of nerve compression, such as abnormal two-point discrimination, motor weakness, or muscle atrophy, or for patients with symptoms of nerve entrapment due to acute trauma. In these cases, immediate surgical evaluation may be necessary. DWD 81.09(13)(b)(b) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after 12 weeks of initial nonsurgical management and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life, including regular vocational activities, then surgical evaluation or chronic management is necessary. Surgical evaluation and surgical therapy shall meet all of the guidelines of sub. (11) (b), with the following modifications: DWD 81.09(13)(b)1.1. Surgical evaluation may begin and surgical therapy may be provided, if necessary, after 12 weeks of initial nonsurgical management, except where immediate surgical evaluation is necessary under par. (a). DWD 81.09(13)(b)2.2. Surgery is necessary if an electromyography confirms the diagnosis or if there has been temporary resolution of symptoms lasting at least 7 days with local injection. DWD 81.09(13)(b)3.3. If there is neither a confirming electromyography nor appropriate response to local injection or if surgery has been previously performed at the same site, surgery is not necessary. DWD 81.09(13)(c)(c) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after all surgery, or the patient refused surgery therapy, or the patient was not a candidate for surgery therapy, and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life including regular vocational activities, then the patient may be a candidate for chronic management. Any course or program of chronic management for patients with nerve entrapment syndromes shall be provided under the guidelines of s. DWD 81.13. DWD 81.09(14)(14) Specific treatment guidelines for muscle pain syndromes. DWD 81.09(14)(a)(a) A health care provider shall use initial nonsurgical management for all patients with muscle pain syndromes and this shall be the first phase of treatment. Any course or program of initial nonsurgical management shall meet all of the guidelines of sub. (11) (a). DWD 81.09(14)(b)(b) Surgery is not necessary for the treatment of muscle pain syndromes. DWD 81.09(14)(c)(c) If the patient continues with symptoms and objective physical findings after initial nonsurgical management and if the patient’s condition prevents the resumption of the regular activities of daily life, including regular vocational activities, then the patient may be a candidate for chronic management. Any course or program of chronic management for patients with muscle pain syndromes shall be provided under the guidelines of s. DWD 81.13.
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Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
Chs. DWD 80-81; Worker’s Compensation
administrativecode/DWD 81.09(5)(d)3.
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