AOHC Encore 2023-234 Attributes Associated with High Workers Compensation (WC) Claim Costs

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the first research study discussed in the video, a 20-year analysis of workers' compensation claims revealed a decrease in claim duration and costs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as severity of illness and improved treatment were identified as potential contributors to this reduction. The second study focused on the combined prescribing of opioids and gabapentinoids among workers' compensation claimants in Louisiana. It found varying trends over an 11-year period, with decreased opioid prescriptions and increased gabapentinoid prescriptions. The study also noted a correlation between the dose of opioids and the dose of gabapentinoids prescribed. Dr. Ed Bernacki and Dr. Robert Lavin delivered the video presentation.<br /><br />Another study discussed in the video analyzed the use of opioid and psychotropic drugs among injured workers and their potential associations with injury severity, drug combinations, and higher doses. The study observed the common practice of combining opioids with gabapentinoids and found that higher doses of both drugs increased the risk of overdose and death. The study suggested evaluating medications for injured workers in combination rather than individually to prevent complications. It also discovered that the dose of opioids continued to escalate regardless of the initial prescription. The study concluded that early use of psychotropic drugs and higher opioid doses predicted higher costs and longer claim durations in workers' compensation cases. The transcript acknowledges the researchers who conducted the study and recommends further research and consideration of these factors in managing injured workers.

Keywords

workers' compensation claims

claim duration

claim costs

COVID-19 pandemic

severity of illness

prescribing opioids

gabapentinoids

Louisiana

dose of opioids

dose of gabapentinoids

injured workers

higher costs

longer claim durations