Insight, analysis & opinion from Joe Paduda
I’m only aware of three major work comp insurers (Travelers, BWC-Ohio, Washington L&I) that have pharmacists on staff; the North Dakota State Fund does as well. With pharmacy costs accounting for somewhere around 15% of total medical spend, that seems … Continue reading Why don’t workers’ comp payers have pharmacists on staff?
Read More...Lots happening this week – here’s a few notable events. First, WCRI’s webinar on physician dispensing, opioids, and physician prescribing patterns. A couple key takeaways: after FL banned doc dispensing of potent opioids, almost all the docs who were prescribing and dispensing … Continue reading Friday catch-up and heads-up
Read More...So far, not bad. Let’s see how my other prognostications worked out… Several more states will adopt clinical guidelines to help determine appropriate/medically necessary care. There’s no doubt clinical guidelines help reduce unnecessary, even dangerous care. A paper published by Medata … Continue reading Predictions for work comp in 2013; how’d I do – part 2
Read More...It’s that time of year – I get to revisit my predictions for 2013, an often-humbling experience for someone who spends far too much time out on the bleeding edge. So, here goes. Vendor consolidation – I said “we ain’t … Continue reading Predictions for work comp in 2013 – how did I do?
Read More...In St Pete at CompPharma’s annual meeting, so can’t do a deep dive into any big blog-able issues…yet there’s so much deserving of attention. Here – in easily digestible bite-size chunks – are a few items of interest. Happy dining! … Continue reading Fun Friday Factoids
Read More...And, no, I’m NOT referring to the type Bob Wilson discusses in a recent investigative report… First up, and timely indeed, is a post from friend and colleague Sandy Blunt about the integration of guidelines with medical bill review. Medata … Continue reading Today’s work comp briefs…
Read More...For those attending the National Work Comp and Disability Conference in Las Vegas next week, here are a few things you may want to check out. Following up on last week’s webinar reporting the results of our Survey on Opioid Management in Work … Continue reading What to check out at the Work Comp Conference
Read More...WCRI’s latest CompScope reports are out – there’s a megaton of info in the 16 state reports (I certainly have NOT read them all), but here’s what I’ve gleaned from an initial review of the reports on several large states. … Continue reading WCRI’s CompScope – quick takeaways
Read More...The good folks at NCCI just published a new study of prescription drugs in workers’ comp; here are a few highlights; the data is from 2011. Narcotic usage increased significantly, from 21% of costs in 2010 to 25% in 2011. … Continue reading NCCI’s latest pharmacy report – the highlights
Read More...WCRI’s just published a comprehensive guide to physician dispensing in workers’ comp, complete with cost trends, state regulations and legislation, individual drug price differentials, and a wealth of other great information. Here is the key take-away. in four states – … Continue reading Buy this book
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