MEDICAL PROVIDERS
The Black Lung Center of Excellence (BLCOE) connects, educates, and empowers providers with current information on Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease (CMDLD). Here you can find 413(b) case studies and updates on pertinent topics from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the US Department of Labor, and other governmental entities. Additional helpful information can be found under the Resources tab.
Medical Bill Processing Portal
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) launched the Workers’ Medical Bill Process (WCMBP) in April 2020. The system enables providers to invoice for medical services rendered to claimants who were approved for the four OWCP benefit programs. The OWCP website provides the resources and training to use the secure system for all invoice processing functions. All providers are required to enroll in the new system to receive payment for approved services. For more information, please visit The OWCP website here.
Revised Procedures for In-Facility Pulmonary Rehabilitation
In 2018, the Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation (DCMWC) revised the procedures for providing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services at a healthcare facility to eligible coal miners whose benefits are being paid by the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. For more information, please visit the Department of Labor’s website here.
Pulmonary Functions Standards and Tables
The Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation (DCMWC) has published values that may be used to establish total disability under 20 CFR 718.204(a)(2). The printable versions of 20 CFR 718, Appendix B, Tables B1 through B6 can be found here.
Become A NIOSH-Certified B Reader
B Readers are physicians certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Black Lung Benefits Act requires that x-rays must be classified in accordance with guidelines set forth by the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the International Labour Office (ILO). For more information, please visit the NIOSH website here.
The United States Department of Labor Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation (DCMWC) has partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago to provide the Black Lung Disability Evaluation and Claims Training for Medical Examiners. This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for medical providers to take a free, formal, online training specifically designed for conducting disability evaluations for the DCMWC Black Lung Program. Begin the course here.
This training was developed as a set of four modules:
- Spectrum of Disease of Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease (CMDLD)
- Diagnosis of CMDLD
- Measuring Respiratory Impairment and Digital Chest Imaging
- Evaluating Causation and Disability
The course has been approved for continuing medical education (CME) credits (4 Category 1 American Medical Association (AMA) CME credits, awarded after completion of all four modules).
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- Spectrum of Disease of Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease (CMDLD)
- Occupational History and Exam and Resting Lung Function Testing
- Exercise Lung Function and Chest Imaging
- Evaluating Causation and Disability
- Additional Resources