DOCTORS PROTEST WORKERS’ COMP PAYMENTS:

Doctors are protesting the state’s attempt to freeze their workers’ compensation payments at 1995 levels. The Vermont Medical Society maintains that the low rates are hurting doctors–and making it difficult for them to take on workers’ compensation injury cases.

Steve Larose, a spokesman for the group, said workers’ compensation cases are near the low end of reimbursements doctors receive from various forms of insurance. Larose said a recent study by a consultant to the Labor Department found Vermont second only to Massachusetts for the lowest workers’ compensation doctor reimbursements among five northeastern states studied.

Labor Commissioner Patricia McDonald said the department had not yet made its new rules containing the final rates, and is taking into account the medical society’s comments.