Opinion ID: 2465184
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: unauthorized medical bills

Text: Westar complained that it should not have been responsible for paying all of the medical bills associated with Saylor's knee replacement surgery because it did not authorize the medical treatment. K.S.A. 2010 Supp. 44-510h(b)(2) provides that an employee may consult with any health care provider without application or approval, but that the employer is only liable for fees and charges up to a total amount of $500 for such unauthorized medical services. However, the Court of Appeals found Westar liable for Saylor's unauthorized medical bills under the provisions of K.S.A. 44-510j(h), which states: If the employer has knowledge of the injury and refuses or neglects to reasonably provide the services of a health care provider required by this act, the employee may provide the same for such employee, and the employer shall be liable for such expenses subject to the regulations adopted by the director. Westar argues that the Court of Appeals interpretation of K.S.A. 44-510j(h) is contrary to the statutory framework of the Workers Compensation Act and conflicts with prior appellate decisions.