by Alissa C. Atkins, Esq.

After upgrading the ICMS system, the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation has reported faster processing times for transactions posted to EDI. This is very good news because until the initial form (WC-1) is processed through EDI, any subsequent transactions cannot be submitted. Users of the EDI system are prohibited from filing any further forms without a JCN, or Jurisdiction Claim Number. Since the JCN is not assigned until the initial form is processed, other forms had to be held up pending the system issuing the number. We contacted the Board at the request of multiple clients over the past six months on behalf of adjusters working to reduce a claimant’s benefits via a WC-104 who could not file the form because no JCN had been assigned, and at the Board’s request even provided input to assist in resolving the matter.

At one point, the delay in processing was over three months because of a massive backlog. Since the ICMS component upgrade, the Board has been able to significantly reduce the EDI backlog to less than one month. As of July 7th, the Board was processing EDI transactions received on June 3rd, but last week the processing delay was down to only 29 days. Even with the recent Independence Day holiday, the Board is working to maintain and even continue to improve upon the backlog.