California Acupuncture Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule 2018: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know

What Is the California Acupuncture Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule?

The fee schedule is a government‑set list that determines the amount of compensation paid to an acupuncture practitioner who is injured on the job. It applies to all licensed acupuncturists in California who are covered by workers' comp insurance. The schedule is published annually by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

How the 2018 Schedule Was Calculated

In 2018, the DIR used a formula that combined the practitioner's average daily wage, the number of days of injury, and a standard rate for acupuncture services. The calculation follows these steps:

• Determine the practitioner's average daily wage based on the last 12 months of earnings.
• Multiply by the number of days of temporary disability.
• Apply the standard fee percentage for acupuncture, which was 70% of the calculated amount.

This method aimed to provide fair compensation while keeping insurers' costs predictable.

Key Changes from Previous Years

Compared to the 2017 schedule, 2018 introduced:

• A 5% increase in the standard fee percentage for acupuncture.
• Updated wage calculation to include overtime and bonuses.
• Clarified definitions for "temporary disability" to reduce disputes.

What Practitioners Should Do Now

Even though the schedule is from 2018, many practices still reference it for historical claims. Today's practitioners should:

• Verify the current fee schedule on the DIR website.
• Update insurance policies to reflect the latest rates.
• Maintain accurate payroll records to support wage calculations.

Common Questions Answered

Is the 2018 schedule still valid?

No. The DIR updates the schedule annually. Use the latest version for current claims.

How do I appeal a denied claim?

Gather documentation of wages, injury dates, and treatment records. File an appeal within 30 days of denial.

What if my earnings are irregular?

Use the average daily wage from the last 12 months, including all income sources related to acupuncture practice.

Practical Example

Consider an acupuncturist who earned $30,000 annually and suffered a 10‑day injury in 2018. Calculation:

Where to Find the Latest Schedule

Visit the DIR's Workers' Compensation page or contact your insurance provider. The current schedule is available in PDF and Excel formats.