Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features the release of Express Scripts’ 2013 Workers’ Compensation Drug Trend Report, which found that significant increases in cost per prescription drove drug trend (defined as the annual rate of increase in pharmacy spending) higher in 2013.
According to the report, compounded medications saw the most significant increases, with per-user-per-year costs rising 126% over 2012, and while compounded drugs only account for 2.7% of total pharmacy costs in workers’ comp, the dramatic rise in price impacted overall trend. Narcotics however, remained the costliest therapy class for work-related injuries, accounting for 32% of overall pharmacy costs, and while utilization has declined for the third straight year, costs continued to rise.
Find out more (including a link to the free report!) by clicking here!