(a) Whenever a dispute develops concerning medical services under
this part, the district director shall attempt to informally resolve
such dispute. In this regard the district director may, on his or her
own initiative or at the request of the responsible operator order the
claimant to submit to an examination by a physician selected by the
district director.
(b) If no informal resolution is accomplished, the district
director shall refer the case to the Office of Administrative Law
Judges for hearing in accordance with this part. Any such hearing shall
be scheduled at the earliest possible time and shall take precedence
over all other requests for hearing except for prior requests for
hearing arising under this section and as provided by Sec. 727.405 of
this subchapter (see Sec. 725.4(d)). During the pendency of such
adjudication, the Director may order the payment of medical benefits
prior to final adjudication under the same conditions applicable to
benefits awarded under Sec. 725.522.
(c) In the development or adjudication of a dispute over medical
benefits, the adjudication officer is authorized to take whatever
action may be necessary to protect the health of a totally disabled
miner.
(d) Any interested medical provider may, if appropriate, be made a
party to a dispute over medical benefits.
