2019 Recap
3 MIN READ
As we wrap up the year, we’d like to thank everyone who supported The Sounding Board blog in 2019. The official launch took place in July and since then we have shared 47 posts.
Obesity's Effect on Treatment and RTW [Recording]
This course will focus on how obesity impacts an injured employee’s return-to-work progress.
Peter Rousmaniere Part 2: Trends and Advice for Comp
We’re back with the second part of our exclusive interview with Peter Rousmaniere in which he discusses how current trends will impact the future of the industry and gives us a preview of what he plans to do next after his retirement from workers’ comp. Here’s part 2.
Warnings about impurities in Zantac® and blood pressure medicines
2 MIN READ
In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the discovery of low levels of an impurity in brand, generic, and over- the-counter (OTC) versions of a popular heartburn medication, Zantac® (Ranitidine HCl) 1, prompting a flurry of manufacturer recalls, national distribution halts, and product removals from retail pharmacy shelves. Ranitidine is an H2 (Histamine-2) blocker approved as a prescription medicine for treatment and prevention of GI ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). OTC versions are approved for relief of acid indigestion and sour stomach. H2 blockers (like Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac) act by reducing the amount of acid produced by cells lining the stomach.
What moved the state of Ohio to drop OxyContin® from their formulary?
3 MIN READ
The state of Ohio, among the hardest hit in the nation for opioid overdose deaths, has undertaken a number of measures to meet the crisis as it has evolved. A review of opioid use in the injured worker population, completed in 2011, revealed an alarming number (73%) were filling opioid prescriptions.1 A closed formulary, expanded access to antidote products (naloxone), and opioid focused prescribing guidelines have all followed since and have contributed to some reductions in prescribing and the prevalence of opioid use.
Three Workers' Comp Trends & How to Manage Them
In 2019, we have seen a variety of workers’ compensation trends come into even sharper focus, from electronic billing to medical marijuana to the aging workforce. Identifying and effectively managing trends and changes in the workers’ compensation industry can help claims organizations to make continuous operational improvements that can ultimately have a positive effect on their bottom lines and more importantly on positive outcomes for injured employees. Below, we have explored three significant trends affecting the industry today and outlined key tips for effectively managing them.
When Do You Need an MSA?
This article is authored by guest blogger, Deborah Robinson Stewart, National Manager of Medicare Set-Asides, Genex Services. In its simplest form, the Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) is a pool of funding reserved for future accident-related treatment once a workers’ compensation case is settled. However, because of its complex nature, some employers will go the MSA route when there are better options available, or they’ll incorrectly believe a settlement agreement will cover these expenses and decide not to pursue.