Workers Comp Home Modification Coverage: How to Get a Wheelchair Ramp, Bathroom Remodel, and Other Accessibility Changes Approved

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Workers comp home modification coverage can pay for ramps, roll-in showers, widened doors, and other structural changes when a treating clinician prescribes them as medically necessary to cure or relieve a work-related injury.

• Approvals usually require: a detailed physician prescription, an OT/PT functional evaluation tied to activities of daily living, at least two itemized contractor estimates, a clear prior-authorization packet, and written approval before work starts.

• Insurers generally pay for reasonable and necessary accessibility modifications; upgrades beyond accessibility needs may be denied or only partially paid.

• If denied, request written reasons, pursue utilization review or IME/QME, supplement evidence, and appeal—California uses a medical-necessity standard under Labor Code §4600.

• Do not begin construction without written authorization. Keep thorough records: photos, measurements, receipts, permits, and warranties for reimbursement or appeals.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Quick Summary / TL;DR

• What is workers comp home modification coverage?

• Difference between home modifications and DME

• Who decides and who pays?

• Common accessibility renovations covered

• Wheelchair ramps and landings

• Bathroom remodel after work injury

• Door widening, stairlifts and other modifications

• Costs, billing and when insurers pay

• Step-by-step: How to start and get approval

• Step 1 — Medical documentation

• Step 2 — Contractor bids and scopes

• Step 3 — Build the prior-authorization packet

• Step 4 — Submit and coordinate

• Step 5 — Installation, records, reimbursement

• Documentation checklist

• If your request is denied — appeals & dispute options

• Special topic — wheelchair ramp injury compensation

• Special topic — bathroom remodel after work injury

• State-specific guidance — work comp housing changes California

• Tips to improve approval odds

• Alternative funding sources if workers’ comp won’t pay

• Ownership, resale and permanence

• Real-life examples / anonymized case studies

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Introduction

Workers comp home modification coverage exists to pay for reasonable and necessary changes to your home — like a wheelchair ramp or a bathroom remodel — when those changes are required because of a workplace injury. This guide is for injured workers and caregivers who need concrete next steps, exact documents to collect, and sample wording to get approvals or appeals started.

You will find a step-by-step checklist, sample physician and OT phrases, contractor estimate guidance, and California-specific rules for work comp housing changes California. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp injury compensation request, an accessible bathroom remodel after work injury, or door-widening and stairlift solutions, this article shows you how to get from prescription to installation with fewer delays.

Quick Summary / TL;DR

• Definition: Workers comp home modification coverage pays for medically necessary structural changes (ramps, roll-in showers, door widening, stairlifts) prescribed by your treating clinician after a work injury. See the discussion of insurer responsibility in this home modifications overview and these adjuster insights on home modifications.

• Top steps to approval: medical documentation → contractor bids → prior authorization → written approval → installation and records.

• What usually gets approved: ramps, roll-in showers, grab bars, widened doors, accessible sinks/counters, and stairlifts when proven necessary — confirmed by the insurer responsibility guidance and Enlyte’s home modification guidance.

• If denied: consider IME/peer review, appeal with stronger evidence, and talk to a workers’ comp attorney.

• California: approvals hinge on “medical necessity” under Labor Code §4600 as reflected in a recent WCAB panel decision.

What is workers comp home modification coverage?

Define it as: Workers comp home modification coverage requires the workers’ compensation insurer to pay for reasonable and necessary structural changes to a claimant’s residence when those changes are prescribed by a treating clinician or rehabilitation specialist to “cure or relieve” effects of a work-related injury.

The legal and clinical standard is medical necessity, often stated as “reasonable and necessary.” In practical terms, insurers look for clear treating-physician and therapy documentation that connects the requested change to an activity of daily living or safety need caused by the injury. Guidance for adjusters and coordinators stresses this link between the clinical need and the scope of work, including examples of ramps, roll-in showers, and lifts in insurer responsibility articles and industry insights. A technical analysis of requirements and best practices also appears in this expert overview of home modification requirements.

Note: Home modifications are structural alterations (ramps, roll‑in showers, widened doorways). Durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs or hospital beds is billed separately.

Difference between home modifications and DME

Home modifications change the home itself so you can enter, exit, bathe, toilet, cook, and move safely. DME refers to movable equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or raised toilet seats. Both can be medically necessary, but they involve different vendors, codes, and authorizations. Many projects require both: for instance, an OT may specify a roll-in shower (modification) and a shower chair (DME). The structural change is typically justified with building specifications and plans, while the equipment is justified with device specifications and medical need. Industry sources consistently outline these differences when describing what insurers cover and why, including insurer obligations and adjuster best practices.

Who decides and who pays?

Several people and entities play defined roles in getting accessibility renovation work injury modifications approved. Knowing who must do what helps you build a complete authorization packet and avoid delays.

• Treating physician: must prescribe specific modifications (for example, “patient requires a wheelchair ramp at the main entrance to safely enter/exit the home”) and provide a narrative tying functional limitations to each requested modification. References on prescription and necessity are discussed in insurer responsibility resources.

• Occupational therapist / physical therapist: must produce a functional assessment that links ADL impairments to each requested modification, including measurements, transfer testing, and safety risks. Industry guidance for therapy assessments appears in Enlyte’s home modification article and this expert analysis of requirements.

• Claims adjuster / insurer: reviews the packet, may order utilization review or an IME, and issues written approval or denial; the insurer pays if approved. These duties are summarized in insurer responsibility overviews and adjuster insights.

• Home modification coordinator / case manager: may coordinate bids, compare scopes, and align the project to clinical needs and budgets, as described in Enlyte’s discussion of specialty solutions and this piece on team roles by CorLife.

• Landlord / HOA (if applicable): written consent is required for renters or condo units before work starts; projects may also need permits. These practical steps are echoed in home modification requirement analyses.

If your adjuster is not responding or delays are mounting, learn escalation steps and scripts in this guide to dealing with a nonresponsive workers’ comp adjuster. If your claim itself has not been started, see how to file a workers’ comp claim for a step-by-step overview.

Common accessibility renovations covered

Examples of modifications commonly approved when proven medically necessary. Insurers focus on the functional problem you face, the safety risk, and whether the requested scope is the least-costly, clinically appropriate solution. That alignment is emphasized throughout insurer obligation resources and adjuster best-practice articles.

Wheelchair ramps and landings

Function: Provide safe access and egress for wheelchair or limited-mobility users. Clinicians and OTs should reference basic specs such as safe slope, landing depth for turning, handrails, and width appropriate for the wheelchair in use. A ramp is typically preferred over a lift when elevation change is modest and outdoor space permits; a lift may be more appropriate where space is constrained or elevation is significant. The importance of matching the solution to the clinical need is a recurring theme in insurer responsibility discussions and industry guidance for adjusters.

Sample physician wording: “Patient requires a ramp at the primary entrance due to inability to ambulate and safe transfer; manual wheelchair use anticipated; ramp must meet ADA‑style slope for safety.”

Documentation needed: physician prescription, OT functional assessment with measurements (entry step height, door width, landing dimensions), photos, and at least two itemized contractor bids with specifications.

Estimated cost: $1,500–$5,000+ depending on materials, elevation, landings, rails, and site conditions.

Keywords: wheelchair ramp injury compensation, workers comp home modification coverage, accessibility renovation work injury.

Bathroom remodel after work injury

Function: Reduce fall risk and enable toileting and bathing. Common elements include a roll‑in/curbless shower, non-slip flooring, strategically placed grab bars (at appropriate heights and reinforcements), lever handles, accessible sink/counter, and an accessible height toilet. Insurer and adjuster sources confirm these are among the most frequent and impactful changes for safety and ADLs, as covered in insurer responsibility overviews and home modification insights.

Sample OT language: “Patient unable to transfer safely into tub/toilet. Requires roll‑in shower and grab bars to perform toileting and bathing with caregiver assistance/independence.”

Documentation needed: physician prescription, OT report with transfer testing and ADL scoring, photos/measurements (threshold height, room dimensions), itemized contractor estimates showing materials, plumbing and electrical work, and permit needs.

Estimated cost: $10,000–$40,000+ depending on structural changes, rerouting plumbing, waterproofing, and tile.

Keywords: bathroom remodel after work injury, workers comp home modification coverage.

Door widening, stairlifts and other modifications

Function: Allow wheelchair passage, safe transfers, and access to multi-level homes. Scope ranges from widening interior doors with proper headers and trim to installing a stairlift or small home entry lift. Lowering counters, adjusting light switches and controls, and removing raised thresholds are also common.

Documentation needed: OT measurements (door widths, turning radii), identification of barriers, and itemized contractor scopes. A stairlift may be indicated where a ramp or vertical lift is not feasible due to space or elevation change. Analysts stress scoping and safety in home modification requirement briefings and adjuster-focused guidance.

Estimated costs: door widening $800–$2,500 per door; stairlift $3,000–$10,000+ (varies by staircase length, turns, and power needs).

Clarification: Insurers approve modifications only to the extent they are medically necessary; upgrades beyond accessibility needs may be denied or partially paid.

Costs, billing and when insurers pay

Ballpark ranges (actual bids will vary by market, home age, and scope):

• Wheelchair ramp: $1,500–$5,000+

• Bathroom remodel (accessible): $10,000–$40,000+

• Door widening: $800–$2,500 per door

• Stairlift: $3,000–$10,000+

Pricing factors include existing structure and materials, permit requirements, potential asbestos or lead remediation, geographic labor costs, elevation changes, and plumbing/electrical complexity. Adjuster and coordination insights about scope, pricing, and vendor selection appear in Enlyte’s home modification guidance and this expert analysis on requirements.

Payment patterns: When the medical necessity is well-supported and the plan is the least-costly appropriate solution, insurers often pay the full cost. If elements are considered upgrades or beyond what is “reasonable and necessary,” the carrier may pay a capped amount or deny specific line items. If you face a dispute, see how to structure an appeal in this guide to appealing a workers’ comp denial.

Step-by-step: How to start and get approval

Below is a detailed, copy-ready process to move from clinical need to authorized construction. If your claim is early or still being established, review the basics in how to file a workers’ comp claim and keep a detailed log as outlined in how to document a work injury.

Step 1 — Medical documentation

Ask your treating physician for a signed prescription and medical narrative that:

• States the diagnosis and date of injury.

• Describes functional limitations and safety risks (e.g., cannot negotiate stairs safely; unsafe tub transfers; wheelchair width exceeds doorway).

• Prescribes specific modifications by location (e.g., “ramp at front entry; roll-in shower in main bathroom; widen primary bedroom door to 36 inches”).

• Ties each modification to ADLs and clinical goals (“cure or relieve”) such as preventing falls and enabling hygiene.

Sample physician line: “I certify that [patient name] has deficits secondary to [diagnosis] that require [specific modification] to safely perform basic activities of daily living and to access the home.”

Request an OT evaluation that includes:

• Objective measures: timed sit-to-stand, transfer times, gait status (with assistive device), wheelchair configuration and width.

• Caregiver assistance needs and risks (lift frequency, fall history, fatigue/pain limits).

• ADL checklist results (bathing, toileting, grooming, cooking, entry/egress).

• Environmental measures: door widths, threshold heights, staircase rise/run, entry stoop height, bathroom dimensions, turning radii.

• Clear link between each barrier and the requested modification, with photos.

Why this matters: adjusters and coordinators rely on precise clinical documentation to match scope to need, as emphasized in Enlyte’s specialty solutions overview and home modification requirement analyses.

Step 2 — Contractor bids and scopes

Collect at least two (ideally three) itemized estimates from licensed, insured contractors with accessibility experience. Each estimate should include:

• Line-item pricing (labor and materials) and proposed timeline.

• ADA-style or equivalent safety specs where applicable (e.g., ramp slope, grab bar reinforcements, turning radius considerations).

• Permit requirements and fees identified.

• Photos/sketches of current conditions and proposed plans.

Sample request email to a contractor: “Hello, I’m seeking a line‑item estimate for [ramp at front entry / roll‑in shower conversion / door widening], including a written scope of work, materials, plan or sketch, applicable code/safety specs, permit needs, and estimated timeline. This is for a workers’ compensation authorization. Please attach photos or drawings of proposed changes.”

For ramp projects, you can reference wheelchair ramp injury compensation needs in your documentation to underscore access and safety, and for bathroom projects, note the fall-prevention and ADL benefits of a bathroom remodel after work injury.

Step 3 — Build the prior-authorization packet

Packet checklist:

• Treating physician prescription and signed narrative.

• OT functional assessment with measurements, ADL findings, and photos.

• At least two itemized contractor estimates and scopes with sketches/plans.

• Site photos and measurements annotated by location.

• Landlord/HOA consent (if renting or in a common-interest community).

• Cover letter requesting prior authorization with requested timeline for decision.

• Any suggested CPT/fee codes if applicable (varies by state and payer).

Sample cover letter language to the adjuster: “Please accept this packet requesting prior authorization for medically necessary home modifications prescribed by the treating physician and supported by the enclosed occupational therapy evaluation. The requested scope includes [list items by location]. These changes are required to cure or relieve the effects of the work-related injury by enabling safe entry/egress and performance of ADLs (bathing, toileting, transfers). Two itemized, licensed contractor estimates are enclosed. Kindly provide written authorization or a detailed denial within [XX] days so work can proceed safely.”

Carrier duties and home-modification responsibilities are discussed in this insurer responsibility overview and Enlyte’s insights for adjusters.

Step 4 — Submit and coordinate

Submit your packet electronically and keep a correspondence log. Ask the adjuster for an acknowledgment of receipt and a target decision date. Be prepared for utilization review, an IME, or a home inspection. Accept reasonable inspections and provide clarifying information quickly.

Suggested language to request a decision timeline: “Please confirm the review timeline and provide written authorization or a detailed denial within [XX] days so we can proceed safely.” If the adjuster is not replying, use the follow-up steps in this guide on when your workers’ comp adjuster is not responding.

Do not start work until you have written authorization. Starting before approval risks nonpayment and disputes about scope. California readers can see the broader claims framework in this California workers’ comp laws overview.

Step 5 — Installation, records, reimbursement

During installation, save all change orders and request written explanations for any scope changes. After completion, collect:

• Final invoice and proof of payment (if reimbursement is necessary).

• Before/after photos.

• Permits and final sign-offs.

• Warranties and maintenance instructions.

Submit the final invoice package to the insurer with a short cover note: “Enclosed are final documents for the authorized modifications at [address]. Please process payment per the authorization and attached invoice.” For broader reimbursement issues outside home modifications, see this overview on disputing denied mileage reimbursement for process tips you can adapt to invoices and proofs.

Documentation checklist

Use this list as your working file and to track what’s been submitted to the insurer for workers comp home modification coverage related to an accessibility renovation work injury:

• Treating physician prescription / signed narrative (date, signature, license number).

• Occupational therapy functional assessment (signed) with measurements and ADL findings.

• Independent medical exam / peer review reports (if any).

• At least two itemized contractor estimates with scope, sketches, and photos.

• Photos of current barriers and measurements (annotated).

• Landlord / HOA written consent for modifications (if applicable).

• Building permits / permit applications.

• Written prior authorization from insurer (if approved).

• Receipts, invoices, change orders, warranties after completion.

• Correspondence log with adjuster (dates, times, email copies).

If your request is denied — appeals & dispute options

Common denial reasons include a weak medical nexus (unclear link between impairment and modification), the carrier insisting on a less expensive alternative, or parts of the plan being labeled upgrades. When this happens, build a stepwise response.

• Request a written denial with the specific reason and ask for peer review or utilization review reconsideration.

• Seek an Independent Medical Exam (IME) or in California request a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) to add clarity and objectivity. To understand the QME process, review this guide on what a QME is in workers’ comp.

• Submit supplemental evidence: an updated OT report tying ADL risks to each change, annotated photos, and revised contractor estimates showing cost-effective, compliant alternatives.

• Escalate to a formal appeal or hearing with your state board if needed; consider retaining a workers’ comp attorney. General insurer duties and denial issues are discussed in this overview of insurer responsibilities. California readers can reference a WCAB panel decision under Labor Code §4600 addressing the “cure or relieve” standard for home modifications.

If the dispute also involves liability beyond workers’ comp (for example, an unsafe structure built by a third party), coordinate any potential civil claim with your comp case. For more on combining claims, see the practical primer on suing a third party while on workers’ comp.

Special topic — wheelchair ramp injury compensation

Coverage angle: To obtain authorization for a ramp after a work injury, follow the same process—physician prescription, OT functional assessment with measurements, and at least two bids. Include specific clinical wording like: “Patient is unable to safely ascend/descend steps due to [neurological/musculoskeletal deficit]; a ramp meeting [slope specification] is required for safe egress and wheelchair access.” Insurer duties and adjuster expectations for home modifications are outlined in insurer responsibility guides and industry adjuster guidance.

Third‑party liability angle: If you were injured because of a defective, slippery, or non-compliant ramp on public property or a rental, you may have a separate third‑party personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp. Preserve photos, incident reports, and medical records, and consider consulting a personal-injury attorney while your workers’ comp claim continues. Learn how dual-claim situations can work in this resource on pursuing a third-party claim while on workers’ comp.

Special topic — bathroom remodel after work injury

Features likely to be approved when medically necessary include:

• Roll-in/curbless shower with adequate turning space.

• Reinforced walls for grab bars; grab bars installed at safe heights and positions.

• Accessible toilet height and clearance around the fixture.

• Non-slip flooring and lever-style handles.

• Accessible sink and counter with knee clearance.

• Widened entry door for wheelchair passage.

Persuasive clinical language to include: “Due to [diagnosis], patient cannot safely transfer into tub and requires assistance for bathing; roll‑in shower and grab bars are necessary to prevent falls and allow self‑care.” Overviews for adjusters and insurers consistently cite bathrooms as high-value accessibility projects, as discussed in insurer responsibility articles and Enlyte’s home modifications guidance.

Photo guidance: Capture the approach and entry, threshold height, door width, and tub interior/controls. Annotate images with measurements and note where grab bars or controls must be relocated for safe use.

State-specific guidance — work comp housing changes California

In California, the insurer’s obligation to pay for home modifications is governed by the medical necessity standard under Labor Code §4600 and related WCAB decisions. The insurer must investigate and pay for modifications that cure or relieve effects of the injury when supported by treating clinician and OT documentation. A recent WCAB panel decision referencing Labor Code §4600 underscores the duty to consider substantial home changes when required by the injury.

• Practical tips: obtain detailed OT assessments early; expect utilization review; respond quickly to requests for more information and keep a complete paper trail.

• Where to find help: California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DIR/DWC) resources, local legal aid, and nonprofits serving disabled workers may supplement knowledge and support.

• When to escalate: consult a California workers’ comp attorney if the insurer delays, denies, or limits scope despite strong medical evidence.

If your employer or insurer resists, review your broader rights in this primer on California workers’ comp laws and how to structure appeals in the article on appealing workers’ comp denials.

Tips to improve approval odds

• Use objective measures: time-to-transfer tests, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, and ADL checklists. Summarize results in a short table and tie each barrier to the modification.

• Provide annotated photos and short clips (if feasible) showing barriers and unsafe attempts, with measurements labeled.

• Select licensed contractors with prior workers’ comp modification experience and include license/insurance credentials.

• Offer less‑costly compliant alternatives proactively (e.g., modular aluminum ramp vs. poured concrete) and document why your chosen option best meets safety and durability needs.

• Request temporary accommodations—such as a rental ramp or short-term accessible bathing solution—if safety is at risk while awaiting approval.

If delays compound or you face denials, a lawyer can help you navigate reviews, QME appointments, and hearings. See what a workers’ compensation attorney does and when hiring one makes sense.

Alternative funding sources if workers’ comp won’t pay

If coverage is denied or not fully approved, consider alternatives while continuing to press your claim:

• Private health insurance: may deny if workers’ comp is primary, but can sometimes fill limited gaps.

• Medicare/Medicaid (Medi‑Cal in CA): coverage varies and coordination rules apply to work injuries; speak with your providers about primary vs. secondary payer status.

• VA benefits: veterans may access home modification programs; coordinate benefits to avoid conflicts.

• Charitable grants and nonprofit programs: disease-specific foundations or local disability groups may assist with ramps or bathroom conversions.

• Municipal accessibility modification programs and housing rehab grants: city or county programs sometimes help homeowners with disability-related accessibility work.

• Vocational rehabilitation programs: in limited cases, job-reentry needs can motivate partial funding for essential accessibility.

Keep documentation tight—use the same evaluation, photos, and bids packaged for your work comp claim when approaching alternative funders.

Ownership, resale and permanence

Homeowners: Permanent modifications typically stay with the property and can be treated as capital improvements. Insurers usually pay for the medically necessary accessibility features, not aesthetic upgrades. Ask the insurer whether any recovery or offset rules apply if the property is later sold at an increased value due to the improvements.

Renters: Obtain written landlord or HOA consent before any work. Clarify whether the unit must be restored at move-out and whether the insurer will fund restoration. Some projects can be designed to be removable (e.g., modular ramps) to reduce restoration needs.

Moving later: If you change residences, insurers often evaluate new requests separately for the new home based on current needs. Reuse of modular solutions can help reduce cost and speed approvals.

Real-life examples / anonymized case studies

Case A — spinal cord injury → ramp & door widening: After a T12 spinal cord injury, the treating physician prescribed a ramp at the front entry and widening of the bedroom and bathroom doors. The OT documented transfer times, wheelchair specs (width 26”), and door widths (28”). Three contractor bids were obtained with detailed line items and drawings. A prior authorization packet was submitted with annotated photos. Approval arrived in six weeks. Final costs: ramp with landing and rails $4,100; two doors widened $3,200. Lessons learned: the OT’s measurements and photos clinched necessity; having multiple bids and clear scopes accelerated authorization.

Case B — bathroom remodel denied then approved: An initial request for a roll-in shower and grab bars was denied as “too expensive.” The worker obtained an IME supporting fall risk and the OT added specific ADL metrics (transfer time, caregiver assistance level). The contractor revised the estimate with a less expensive waterproofing system and simplified tile scope. On appeal, authorization issued for a $16,800 conversion. Lessons learned: addressing cost concerns with a compliant alternative, alongside stronger clinical evidence, turned a denial into an approval.

Conclusion

After a serious work injury, getting the right accessibility changes at home is not optional—it’s essential to your safety and independence. Build your case with clear clinician prescriptions, an OT evaluation tied to ADLs, and credible, itemized contractor bids. Submit a clean prior-authorization packet, follow up for written approval, and keep impeccable records through installation. If you hit a denial, don’t give up: refine the evidence, explore alternatives, and appeal. California readers should remember that the governing standard is medical necessity to cure or relieve under Labor Code §4600, and that strong documentation drives better, faster decisions.

Need help now? Get a free and instant case evaluation by US Work Accident Lawyers. See if your case qualifies within 30-seconds at https://usworkaccidentlawyer.com.

FAQ

How long does approval take?

It can take weeks to months depending on project complexity, the completeness of your packet, and insurer review steps like utilization review or IME/QME. Submitting a thorough physician narrative, OT report, and itemized bids at the outset speeds things up.

Can I start work before authorization?

No. Do not start work until you have written authorization. Starting early risks nonpayment and disputes over scope and cost.

What if my employer or insurer refuses?

Request a written denial stating the reasons, pursue peer review or IME/QME, and supplement evidence. If needed, file a formal appeal. See this step-by-step guide to appealing workers’ comp denials.

Are approved modifications taxable?

No. Approved workers’ compensation medical benefits, including medically necessary home modifications, are typically not taxable to the injured worker.

When should I hire an attorney?

Consider hiring a lawyer if your request is delayed or denied, the insurer disputes medical necessity or scope, or your case involves complex structural work. Learn the role and value of a workers’ compensation attorney.

What counts as medically necessary?

Modifications prescribed by a treating clinician or rehabilitation specialist that cure or relieve the effects of your work injury—like a ramp for safe entry or a roll-in shower to prevent falls. This standard is reflected in insurer and adjuster guidance such as insurer responsibility articles and home modification insights.

What are common approved modifications?

Wheelchair ramps and landings, roll-in showers with grab bars, widened doors, stairlifts, and accessible sinks or counters—when justified by your physician and OT. For bathrooms specifically, see the section on a bathroom remodel after work injury process and documents you will need.

Can I file a third-party claim for a defective ramp?

Yes, if you are injured by a defective or dangerous ramp owned or installed by someone else, you may have a separate personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp. Learn how these claims can work together in this guide to suing a third party while on workers’ comp.

Is there anything California-specific I should know?

California applies the medical necessity “cure or relieve” standard under Labor Code §4600 for home modifications. A recent WCAB panel decision highlights the insurer’s duty to investigate and authorize necessary modifications when properly documented.