Workers' Compensation Codes
The UTBMS workers' compensation codes (WC series), litigation task coding adapted to the administrative hearing environment, with per-phase Alternative Fee Arrangement codes.
UTBMS workers' compensation codes adapt litigation task coding to the administrative hearing environment of comp defense, where insurers are the dominant eBilling users.
Two design features distinguish the set: the standard embeds practice commentary directly into each code, and every phase includes an Alternative Fee Arrangements code (WC180 through WC580) for recording time under flat-fee and other non-hourly arrangements. Every code is searchable alongside all sets at the UTBMS code database.
Workers' compensation defense is high-volume, repeatable insurer work, which makes it a natural fit for the standardized-review discipline a legal spend management program brings: consistent phase coding across a panel is what lets an insurer compare firms handling similar claims.
What are workers' compensation codes used for?
Workers' compensation codes follow the phases of a comp defense matter through the administrative hearing process, adapting the litigation task structure to an environment that runs on hearings rather than trials. The phases track a claim from investigation through hearing and resolution.
The signal unique to this set is the alternative fee arrangement code in each phase. Because comp defense frequently runs on flat fees, the AFA codes are how non-hourly time is recorded, and consistent use of them is what keeps flat-fee and hourly work comparable across a panel.
What does each workers' compensation code cover?
WC110: Fact Investigation/DevelopmentUTBMS WC (2010)
Investigating matter facts, including interviews, claims file and wage record review, medical record review on work status and treatment, and prior claim history.
When to use this code: Use for factual development, which in comp practice can recur across the life of a long-tail claim.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Initial-assessment research continuing past initial evaluation, which the standard itself directs to the primary task codes.
What invoice review checks: Front-loaded shape on standard claims, with recurrence justified by new compensability issues in long-tail jurisdictions.
WC120: Analysis/StrategyUTBMS WC (2010)
Case strategy, litigation plans and updates, and strategy communication with adjuster, employer, and nurse case manager.
When to use this code: Use for strategy work including the adjuster communication the standard assigns here.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Strategy concentration masking routine status reporting to the carrier.
What invoice review checks: WC120 share of claim fees benchmarked across defense panel firms.
WC130: Experts/ConsultantsUTBMS WC (2010)
Selecting medical and vocational experts and initial expert communication.
When to use this code: Use only for identifying and engaging experts; report and testimony work belongs under WC330, WC340, or WC420 per the standard.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Expert report support billed here instead of the deposition and discovery codes.
What invoice review checks: The selection-versus-support boundary the standard draws explicitly.
WC150: BudgetingUTBMS WC (2010)
Budget preparation, negotiation, revision, and budget correspondence.
When to use this code: Use for budget work where compensable.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Budget communication billed under WC120 instead, which the standard prohibits.
What invoice review checks: Guideline compensability and correct code placement.
WC160: Settlement/ResolutionUTBMS WC (2010)
Settlement analysis, discussions, mediation including preparation and travel, releases, compromise agreements, stipulations, and Medicare set-aside allocation and CMS submissions.
When to use this code: Use for all resolution-directed work including MSA activity.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: MSA preparation cost varying widely per settlement, and mediation travel at full rates where guidelines reduce it.
What invoice review checks: Cost per resolved claim and MSA unit cost, the two figures that price your resolution function.
WC180: Alternative Fee Arrangements - Assessment PhaseUTBMS WC (2010)
Recording time for non-hourly arrangements covering this phase's tasks.
When to use this code: Use when flat or fixed fees cover assessment-phase work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: AFA codes used alongside hourly entries for the same work.
What invoice review checks: AFA and hourly entries should never overlap for one task; the split is auditable.
WC210: PleadingsUTBMS WC (2010)
Drafting and reviewing pleadings, state comp forms, counterclaims, affidavits, and related research and reporting.
When to use this code: Use for pleadings and state form work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Form-driven filings billed at pleading depth, since comp practice is heavily form-based.
What invoice review checks: Per-filing unit cost by form type, a natural flat-fee candidate.
WC230: Conferences with JudgeUTBMS WC (2010)
Preparing for, attending, and reporting on conferences with the tribunal, up to the merits hearing.
When to use this code: Use for tribunal conferences; final pretrial conferences bill to WC450 per the standard.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Travel folded into conference entries.
What invoice review checks: Conference length against the tribunal calendar, the L230 logic.
WC280: Alternative Fee Arrangements - Pleadings PhaseUTBMS WC (2010)
Non-hourly arrangement recording for this phase.
When to use this code: Use for flat-fee pleadings work such as answer filings.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Same overlap risk as WC180.
What invoice review checks: AFA-hourly exclusivity per task.
WC310: Written DiscoveryUTBMS WC (2010)
Preparing and responding to written discovery, including meet-and-confer sessions and mandatory disclosures.
When to use this code: Use for written discovery.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Standard-set responses at bespoke depth.
What invoice review checks: Hours per discovery set against claim type baselines.
WC320: Document Production/AcquisitionUTBMS WC (2010)
Document requests and responses, privilege review, subpoenas and authorizations, and medical record acquisition and exchange.
When to use this code: Use for document work including medical records, which the standard assigns here except IME-related work under WC340.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Medical record retrieval at professional rates where record services handle it, and per-claim record volume unmanaged.
What invoice review checks: Record acquisition unit cost against vendor alternatives; on comp portfolios this is a real number.
WC330: DepositionsUTBMS WC (2010)
Deposition notices, witness communication and preparation, medical record review for deposition, examination preparation, attendance, travel, and summaries. In some jurisdictions medical testimony taken by deposition constitutes trial testimony and bills here.
When to use this code: Use for deposition work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Preparation multiples on routine medical depositions, and travel at full rates.
What invoice review checks: Prep-to-deposition ratios by witness type, with the transcript anchoring attendance.
WC340: Expert DiscoveryUTBMS WC (2010)
Expert discovery once experts are identified, including IME and impairment rating scheduling, review, and analysis.
When to use this code: Use for expert discovery including IME and IRE work, which the standard assigns here.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: IME coordination billed at attorney rates for scheduling logistics.
What invoice review checks: IME unit cost per exam cycle, one of the highest-volume recurring events in comp defense.
WC350: Discovery MotionsUTBMS WC (2010)
Motions arising from discovery, including protective orders and order summaries.
When to use this code: Use for discovery motion practice.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Sustained motion volume, the L350 signal in administrative form.
What invoice review checks: Motion concentration as a case-management indicator.
WC360: Discovery On-Site Inspections/VisitsUTBMS WC (2010)
Site inspection attendance, travel, and result summaries.
When to use this code: Use for site inspections.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Multiple attendees and bundled travel, the L360 pattern.
What invoice review checks: Event-anchored attendance review.
WC380: Alternative Fee Arrangements - Discovery PhaseUTBMS WC (2010)
Non-hourly arrangement recording for this phase.
When to use this code: Use for flat-fee discovery events such as depositions.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Same overlap risk.
What invoice review checks: AFA-hourly exclusivity per task.
WC410: Fact WitnessesUTBMS WC (2010)
Preparing fact witness examinations and cross-examinations, including transcript review.
When to use this code: Use for hearing-stage fact witness work; testimony-taking bills to WC330 or WC450.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Preparation repeated across continuances.
What invoice review checks: Hours per witness with continuance effects visible in the timeline.
WC420: Expert WitnessesUTBMS WC (2010)
Preparing expert examinations and cross-examinations, including adverse expert background investigation.
When to use this code: Use for hearing-stage expert work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Firm preparation paralleling expert-invoiced preparation, the dual-billing pattern.
What invoice review checks: Combined firm-plus-expert cost per expert presented.
WC430: Written Motions/SubmissionsUTBMS WC (2010)
Hearing-stage motions including dispositive and jurisdictional motions, responses, argument, and order analysis.
When to use this code: Use for hearing-stage written motion work; discovery motions stay under WC350.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Motion classification drifting between WC350 and WC430.
What invoice review checks: Docket-anchored classification.
WC440: Hearing Preparation and SupportUTBMS WC (2010)
Hearing preparation including exhibits, demonstratives, pre-hearing conferences, research, deposition review, trial memoranda, and opening and closing statements. Witness prep immediately before hearing bills here per the standard.
When to use this code: Use for hearing preparation.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Preparation-to-hearing billing ratios out of line, an analysis the standard itself recommends.
What invoice review checks: The prep-to-hearing ratio by firm, a benchmark the standard explicitly endorses.
WC450: HearingUTBMS WC (2010)
Hearing appearance, argument, travel, and post-hearing reporting.
When to use this code: Use for hearing attendance including final pretrial conferences.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Travel at full rates and multi-attendee hearings.
What invoice review checks: Hearing length is docketed; attendance review is factual.
WC460: Post-Hearing Conferences/Motions/SubmissionsUTBMS WC (2010)
Post-hearing conferences, proposed findings, objections, proposed orders, and motions for rehearing, excluding appellate analysis.
When to use this code: Use for post-hearing work at the tribunal level.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Appellate analysis billed here instead of WC510 or WC520.
What invoice review checks: The tribunal-versus-appeal boundary.
WC470: Assertion of Subrogation ClaimsUTBMS WC (2010)
Asserting subrogation claims on behalf of the employer or carrier.
When to use this code: Use for subrogation work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Subrogation pursuit cost unanchored to recovery potential.
What invoice review checks: Recovery-to-cost ratio, the L470 economics.
WC480: Alternative Fee Arrangements - Hearing PhaseUTBMS WC (2010)
Non-hourly arrangement recording for this phase.
When to use this code: Use for flat-fee hearing events.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Same overlap risk.
What invoice review checks: AFA-hourly exclusivity per task.
WC510: Appellate Proceedings/Motion PracticeUTBMS WC (2010)
Appellate motions, notices of appeal, record designation, extraordinary writs, petition responses, and appendices. The standard designates exhibit copying and assembly as overhead.
When to use this code: Use for appellate procedural work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Assembly and copying time billed despite the standard's explicit overhead designation.
What invoice review checks: The standard's own overhead rule, directly enforceable.
WC520: Appellate BriefsUTBMS WC (2010)
Brief research, drafting, opposing brief review, record preparation, and appeal communication.
When to use this code: Use for merits briefing.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Brief hours across many timekeepers, the L520 pattern.
What invoice review checks: Hours per brief, a strong fixed-fee candidate.
WC530: Oral Argument/Post Submission PracticeUTBMS WC (2010)
Argument preparation, argument, travel, and decision review.
When to use this code: Use for argument-stage work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Large moot audiences all billing.
What invoice review checks: Staffing set before the argument cycle.
WC580: Alternative Fee Arrangements - Appellate PhaseUTBMS WC (2010)
Non-hourly arrangement recording for this phase.
When to use this code: Use for flat-fee appellate work.
Patterns reviewers commonly see: Same overlap risk.
What invoice review checks: AFA-hourly exclusivity per task.
How should legal departments use workers' compensation codes in invoice review?
Workers' compensation review is panel-consistency work. Because insurers run large panels on repeatable claims, the value is in comparing firms on the same phase coding, watching where any one firm's phase distribution diverges, and using the AFA codes to keep flat-fee matters comparable to hourly ones.
Standardizing coding across a panel depends on the eBilling platform enforcing the WC structure and AFA codes, which is where legal technology implementation matters: panel-wide phase and fee-arrangement coding should be system-enforced so cross-firm comparison is reliable.
How do Workers' Compensation Codes support legal spend management?
Workers' Compensation Codes only deliver value inside a program that enforces them. Our legal spend management and enterprise legal management hubs cover how coded invoices become spend control, and our guides to what to put in outside counsel billing guidelines, outside counsel spend benchmarks, and the cost of poor eBilling governance go deeper on the review programs, guidelines, and eBilling rules that put UTBMS coding to work.
Bottom Line
The workers' compensation set brings litigation-style phase discipline to a high-volume, insurer-driven practice built on administrative hearings. Its embedded commentary and per-phase alternative fee codes make it well suited to panel management, where the value is comparing many firms on the same coding. Consistent AFA use keeps flat-fee and hourly work on the same footing.
Consistent phase and alternative-fee coding across a comp panel is what lets an insurer compare firms on the same claims.
Frequently asked questions
What are UTBMS workers' compensation codes used for?
They adapt litigation task coding to the administrative hearing environment of workers' compensation defense, where insurers are the dominant eBilling users. They let insurers code and compare comp defense work by phase across large panels of firms.
What are the alternative fee arrangement codes?
Every phase includes an alternative fee arrangement code (WC180 through WC580) for recording time under flat-fee and other non-hourly arrangements. Because comp defense often runs on flat fees, these codes are how non-hourly work is captured so it stays comparable to hourly work.
How is this set different from the litigation codes?
It adapts the litigation task structure to administrative hearings rather than trials, embeds practice commentary directly into each code, and adds per-phase alternative fee arrangement codes. It is also built for insurer panel management, its primary use case.
How should workers' compensation codes be used in invoice review?
Compare firms across the panel on the same phase coding, watch for a firm whose phase distribution diverges, and use the AFA codes to keep flat-fee matters comparable. Each code below lists the patterns reviewers commonly see and what invoice review checks.
How do UTBMS codes relate to outside counsel billing guidelines and legal spend management?
UTBMS codes are the shared vocabulary that outside counsel billing guidelines and a legal spend management program depend on. Guidelines define what each code should and should not contain, the eBilling system enforces those rules, and consistent coding is what makes spend analytics and cross-firm benchmarking possible. Without agreed codes, guidelines cannot be enforced and spend data cannot be compared.
About this reference
UTBMS code sets are standards published by their respective bodies, including the ABA, the LEDES Oversight Committee, UTBMS.com, the CBA, DRI, the Judiciaries of England and Wales, and the Yerra Global KM Expert Group. All copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners; Swiftwater & Company is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.
Code identifiers follow the published standards, while all descriptions and annotations are original Swiftwater commentary, developed with human expertise, proprietary consulting knowledge, and AI assistance.
This is general reference material, not legal advice. Standards are revised over time, so confirm the current version with the originating body before implementing.
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