First, WCRI’s annual meeting is coming up quickly. The fine folks from Cambridge Mass have added a second panel on opt-out. You’ll hear from a regulator, employer, workers’ advocate and industry spokesman after listening to a “point-counterpoint” from two of the leading experts on opt-out.
For anyone who’s remotely involved in or affected by work comp, this is a must-do; you’ll get a solid education on one of THE key issues in workers’ comp.
Second, Tennessee’s adopted the ODG treatment guidelines and formulary; they go into effect Monday. More precisely, as of 2/28/16, the formulary applies to refills of scripts written before 1/1/16. For newer prescriptions, the effective date is August 28, 2016.
Tennessee becomes the fifth state (after WA, OH, TX, OK) to adopt a drug formulary; perhaps a dozen others are working on formularies.
I’ve been far from diligent in posting of late – now that a couple projects are almost wrapped up, thing should get back to normal. Thanks for your forbearance!
The following comment is from a reader who wants to remain anonymous. It reflects what many believe.
This is just a thought, but I am compelled to share it with you. Reading the list of participants in the recommended Opt Out panel, there is a “worker advocate” listed. That struck me as funny and also a little sad. If we say claimant attorney, ok…I can get with that.
But looking at the bigger picture and how completely screwed up this system we work in really is, shouldn’t we ALL be worker advocates? I know in my role I am in a unique position to really see the picture from all sides – payer, employer, provider, regulator, and claimant. But if we think deeper in to all the issues that cause litigation, delayed recovery, unneeded expenses, unnecessary or perhaps excessive medical care, and loss of jobs over a work comp injury; wouldn’t we all be better served if we paid mind to and engaged the actual “worker” in the process a little more?