OAR 125-160-0300
Evaluating Claims
(1)
No benefit shall be awarded or paid except through request and proof of eligibility as required by these rules and related law. A claim shall be approved if the claimant proves to the Department that the claim, injury, disability, and all related issues qualify and conform to these rules and related law.(2)
Department shall investigate any claim for benefits as it deems necessary to determine eligibility under these rules and the extent of any benefits. Department shall notify claimant of its denial or initial estimate of benefits in a reasonable time. When practical, Department shall issue its initial estimate in the period after claimant is stationary and before claimant is released.(3)
The attending physician shall make all medical determinations with regard to the claim. If Department finds the attending physician is not complying with these rules, Department may name a new attending physician to provide all medical services. The attending physician shall:(a)
Determine the existence and nature of the reported injury, its extent and expected duration of the need for medical services.(b)
Determine the claimant’s medically stationary date and any permanent disability rating.(c)
Estimate likelihood or frequency of necessary repair and replacement of prosthetics.(d)
Report to the Department. Reports shall be in sufficient detail to show that all determinations are based on medical evidence supported by objective findings as provided in ORS 655.510 (Benefits for injuries in authorized employment)(2). The reports shall show due consideration of any input from advisory or consulting physicians. Reported pain or alleged limited range of motion, without objective findings, shall not meet this requirement.(4)
Department may require a claimant to be examined by any physician or physicians if Department considers such examination necessary to determine a claim. Failure to attend the examination will be considered abandonment of benefits.(5)
If there is a dispute among physicians as to any medical fact or issue, the attending physician shall determine the dispute. He or she shall give due consideration to the reports of consulting or advisory physicians.
Source:
Rule 125-160-0300 — Evaluating Claims, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=125-160-0300.