Today’s issue of WorkCompRecap features the announcement from California’s State Fund that it has been able to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions for injured workers by 60% since the launch of its opioid-reduction program in 2014.
State Fund noted that its comprehensive opioid-reduction strategy took a two-pronged approach to the issue, including early prevention strategies for new cases, and the reduction of chronic opioid usage in existing cases. The strategy also included elements such as a peer-to-peer physician review, education for injured workers and treating physicians, and a functional restoration program for injured workers taking chronic, high levels of opioids. Results include that the number of patients taking high doses of opioids over the past four years has decreased from 1,458 to 186, and expenditures on opioids prescribed to injured workers have decreased by 74%. State Fund plans to continue its efforts with several upcoming initiatives as well.
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