The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has launched an electronic filing pilot program for physicians to submit the Form 5021 Doctor’s First Report of Occupational Illness or Injury (DFR) online.

The pilot is available on a voluntary basis for physicians who agree to send their reports to DWC electronically rather than filing paper forms. Large volume filers such as hospitals are also invited to participate through electronic data interchange (EDI) submission.

Physicians who treat an injured worker are required by the Labor Code to file, within five days after initial examination, a complete report of occupational injury or occupational illness with the employer’s insurer or with the employer if self-insured. The forms are currently only available on paper.

As this is a pilot, physicians are not required to participate in the electronic filing program. DWC plans to draft regulations to require electronic reporting in the future with the goal of phasing out paper filing.

DWC has posted a web page with more information on the pilot program. To participate in EDI filing, contact dfr_edi@dir.ca.gov.