When it comes to treating and managing chronic pain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that due to the ongoing opioid epidemic,
safer alternatives need to be considered. Options like physical therapy,
non-opioid medications like NSAIDs, massage therapy and exercise can all play a role in reducing the amount of opioid prescriptions written.
While opioids like oxycodone and morphine can provide fast relief for a variety of injuries workers suffer on the job, they were never meant for long-term use.
Reducing Opioid Abuse in Injured Workers
This is why AmTrust has partnered with
Optum Workers’ Comp and Auto No-Fault, a pharmacy care management company, to implement processes that
reduced overall opioid prescriptions for work-related injuries. In a recent article on Risk & Insurance, AmTrust’s Melissa Burke, Head of Managed Care and Clinical, explained more about the initiative and how AmTrust is doing their part to get injured workers on the most appropriate treatment path earlier, hopefully keeping them away from opioids altogether.
“Getting it right from the beginning is where it matters,” Burke said. “Ideally you want claim professionals who are very fluent in medication and pharmacy so they can better assess the medical need for an opioid prescription up front and suggest alternatives. But that's much easier said than done.”
Check out the entire article by
clicking here.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information.