DEP is a pool of physicians contracted by BWC to provide claim file review and injured worker medical examination services.

Behavioral Medicine
Behavioral medicine is a field of study for psychologists. Study in behavioral medicine is required for psychologists who participate in BWC’s Disability Evaluators' Panel (DEP). Before becoming a DEP member, in addition to being board-certified, psychologists must demonstrate that they have had at least three years experience or one year post-doctoral training and two years experience in either health psychology or behavioral medicine.

Board Certified
Board certification is a professional designation afforded to doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathic medicine, doctors of chiropractic, doctors of podiatric medicine, psychologists and doctors of dental surgery. Board certification is required for all doctors who participate in BWC’s Disability Evaluators' Panel, which provides injured worker file review and examination services at BWC’s request.

C-92 Quality Assurance (QA) Program
BWC implemented a quality assurance program to ensure that Disability Evaluators' Panel (DEP) evaluators complete and provide adequate reports. The QA program measurements are based upon the evaluator’s report containing complete claim information (i.e., claim number, injured worker data, allowed conditions); documentation that the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment was used; method(s) used in determining the injured worker’s impairment and justification for findings; timely completion and submission of the report; and the evaluation was properly billed.

Clinical Experience
Clinical experience is the actual hands-on time a medical provider has spent in a clinical setting with patients (i.e., rendering services in a non-research facility, such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, office, rehabilitation facility, etc.).

Diplomate Status
Diplomate status is conferred on doctors of chiropractic who have successfully completed coursework in orthopedics, neurology, internal disorders, sports medicine, rehabilitation, occupational health or any other diplomate statuses recognized by the American Chiropractic Assocation.

Health Psychology
Health psychology is a field of study for psychologists. Study in health psychology is required for psychologists who participate in BWC’s Disability Evaluators' Panel (DEP). Before becoming a DEP member, in addition to being board-certified, psychologists must demonstrate that they have had at least three years experience or one year post-doctoral training and two years experience in either health psychology or behavioral medicine.

Minimum Coverage
This term refers to minimum comprehensive general liability insurance coverage required for physicians participating in BWC’s Disability Evaluators' Panel (DEP). To become a DEP member, physicians must maintain at their sole cost and expense valid, current liability insurance with minimum coverage in the amount of $1 million/$3 million and comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum amount of $500,000.

Minimum Requirements
This term refers to minimum requirements necessary for physicians participating in BWC’s Disability Evaluators' Panel (DEP). To become a DEP member, physicians must meet the specific DEP requirements.