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Effect of an opioid management program for Colorado workers' compensation providers on adherence to treatment guidelines for chronic pain.

Authors
Tenney L; McKenzie LM; Matus B; Mueller K; Newman LS
Source
Am J Ind Med 2019 Jan; 62(1):21-29
Link
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22920
NIOSHTIC No.
20053876
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine adherence of state guidelines for Colorado workers' compensation physicians/providers treating individuals as injured workers with chronic pain after initiation of an opioid management program and provider incentives. Methods: A retrospective cohort of chronic, non-cancer pain claims was constructed from the Colorado's workers' compensation database. Adherence to treatment guidelines and opioid prescribing practices were evaluated during implementation of a new billing code to incentivize adherence. Results: Overall, less than 33% of claims showed evidence of opioid management. Comprehensive opioid management was observed in only 4.4% of claims. In 2010, after implementing the new billing code, the ratio of long acting opioids to short acting opioids decreased from 0.2 to 0.13; returning to 0.2 in one year. Similarly, morphine equivalent doses declined for a short period. Conclusions: Incentivizing physicians to adhere to chronic pain management guidelines only temporarily improves prescribing practices.
Keywords
Compliance; Workers Compensation; Medical management guidelines; Drugs; Drug therapy; Medical treatment; Pain tolerance; Guidelines; Injuries; Preventive medicine; Medical care; Health care; Physicians; Workers; Pharmaceuticals; Work practices; Author Keywords: chronic pain; injured worker; opioid prevention; opioids; workers' compensation
Contact
Liliana Tenney, MPH, Center for Health, Work and Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Place, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
CODEN
AJIMD8
Publication Date
20190101
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
liliana.tenney@ucdenver.edu
Funding Type
Grant
Fiscal Year
2019
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T42-OH-009229
Issue of Publication
1
ISSN
0271-3586
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
State
CO
Performing Organization
University of Colorado, Denver
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division