The Growing Federal and State Challenges of Medical Marijuana
October 28, 2018
1 MIN READAs of October 2018 a total of 29 states and the District of Columbia currently allow for medical marijuana and cannabis programs. What implications does this pose for workers’ compensation? Our latest video covers the current legislative and regulatory trends at the state and federal levels, along with the potential implications for the workers’ compensation industry.
When are Specialty Drugs, Biologics, and Biosimilars Used in Workers’ Compensation?
October 21, 2018
3 MIN READFor workers’ compensation, specialty drugs are prescribed to treat conditions either directly or indirectly related to workplace injuries or illnesses. Directly related conditions, such as HIV and hepatitis, might occur when individuals are exposed to contaminated material (i.e. those working in healthcare or emergency service settings). Indirectly related conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, are common, and the subsequent work disability and/or potential of being linked to this group of illnesses is significant. Other indirectly related conditions that could be compensable in workers’ compensation are those aggravated by a workplace injury, including multiple sclerosis. The impact specialty drugs will have on workers’ compensation claims will depend largely on the demographics of the insured population.
The Difference Between Specialty Drugs, Biologics, and Biosimilars
October 14, 2018
3 MIN READIn the world of workers’ comp pharmacy benefit management, understanding generics vs. brand name drugs, narcotics, muscle relaxants, and compounds now seems relatively simple as compared with the latest pharmacy terminology: specialty drugs, biologics, and biosimilars. These terms are making the headlines with increased frequency, and while some think they are interchangeable, there truly are distinctions between them.
Topical Trend Differences: Understanding Drug Mix
October 7, 2018
1 MIN READTopical medication cost and utilization continue to decrease in the managed population. However, in the unmanaged space we continue to see year-over-year increases in both cost and utilization. Understanding the differences in the types of topical medications dominating each space can help us to target pharmaceutical management strategies that weed out price opportunists and ensure the most appropriate care.
Before You Choose a PBM, do the Math
September 23, 2018
1 MIN READCost is black & white Price alone isn’t. Your PBM must also control utilization or you’ll be seeing red.
How Differences in Claim Age and Population Affect Opioid Trends
September 2, 2018
1 MIN READManagement of opioid therapy can be influenced by the types of drugs filled, differing patient populations, and the nature of the injury. Don’t miss our latest video blog where we will review some of the differences that point to the importance of early intervention and identification of long term risk.
Positive Compound Trends Continue in Work Comp
August 26, 2018
3 MIN READUtilization and costs associated with compound medications fell significantly for both managed and unmanaged claims in 2017.