What is the main purpose of the medical fee schedule in West Virginia Workers' Compensation?

The main purpose of the medical fee schedule in West Virginia Workers' Compensation is to outline maximum allowable payments for medical care provided to injured workers. This schedule serves to standardize reimbursements across various medical services, ensuring that healthcare providers receive fair compensation while controlling costs for employers and the Workers' Compensation system. By establishing maximum payment rates, the fee schedule helps to prevent excessive billing and promotes cost efficiency within the Workers' Compensation program, benefiting both employees and employers.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of the medical fee schedule. While providing minimum standards for treatments contributes to maintaining a level of care, it does not define the payment structure. Eliminating all medical expenses for employers would not align with the program's intent, as compensation systems are designed to share costs associated with work-related injuries. Specifying acceptable medical providers, while important, focuses on the provider network rather than the payment structure, which is the core purpose of the medical fee schedule.