Pharmacy Benefits Management

Trends That are Paving the Way for Successful Managed Care Programs in 2025

As workers’ compensation leaders prepare for the coming year, key trends in managed care programs are rapidly emerging. By proactively identifying and responding to these developments, leaders can significantly enhance long-term claims outcomes.

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5 Workers’ Comp Pharmacy Trends to Watch in 2024

7 Current and Evolving Drug Trends in Workers’ Comp Medical Management

Recently in Pharmacy Benefits Management

Practitioners Consider Practical Applications of Medical Marijuana

Some evidence indicates medical marijuana may be useful to treat pain, but the workers’ comp system is not yet equipped to handle the issue on a large-scale basis.

Winning the War on Opioids

State actions to reduce the unnecessary prescribing of dangerous opioid painkillers pay off.

State PDMP Regulation Important for Opioid Control

The CDC highlights trouble zones for painkiller prescriptions, but lauds states with effective drug monitoring.

Reports Show Little Change in Opioid Prescribing, Treating Behaviors

Opioid prescribing rates have grown in Michigan, but remain unchanged in most other states, according to the latest report.

Closed Formulary Could Decrease Use of ‘N’ Drugs

The recent success of the closed pharmacy formulary in the Texas workers’ comp system shows promise for other states, especially in regions where non-formulary drugs are prevalent.

WC Payers More Likely To Face Reimbursement Requirements for Pot

A New Mexico appeals court decision ordering an employer and insurer to reimburse an injured worker for his medical marijuana is believed to be the first such court ruling in the nation.

Physician-Dispensed Opioids Double WC Costs, Days Off

A new study suggests a correlation between physician-dispensed medication and poor outcomes, especially when opioids are involved.

State Variation in Opioid Painkiller Prescribing Detailed

Health issues causing pain don’t very from place to place, but the number of opioid painkillers prescribed do.

Reports Shed Light on Latest Targets of PBMs

Pharmacy benefit managers are looking beyond opioids to identify other key risks negatively impacting costs and outcomes.

Better Prescribing Through Technology

A growing number of physicians are turning to pharmacogenetics to evaluate how workers’ comp claimants will respond to prescription drugs based on a patient’s genetic makeup.

A Matter of Choice

Legislating employee choice in pharmaceutical purchase and delivery is a tricky business.

Opioid Issues Generate Increased Discussion, Activity

Experts applaud progress in the battle against opioid abuse, but warn there is more work to be done.

Opioid Paradox: The Drugs Can Cause Pain

Ironically, opioid pain medications can induce chronic pain rather than suppress it.

A Closer Look at WC Narcotics Abuse

A WCRI study shows notably high narcotics use among injured workers in New York and Louisiana.

States Eyeing Texas-Style Formularies

The success of Texas’ closed formulary for workers’ comp is piquing the interest of other states seeking savings.

Compound Drugs Are Focus of Reports, Blogs, Laws

High prices and uncertain efficacy make workers’ comp professionals question compound drugs.

Drug and Death Connection

Pharmaceuticals can do as much harm as good. Payers can help keep treatments in check.

An Rx Odyssey

An injured deli counter clerk abuses her prescription medications.

Specialty Drugs Exploding on the Marketplace

Experts warn that by 2018 specialty drug costs could rise to 50 percent of total drug costs for workers’ comp payers.

Compounding Challenges Comp Payers

The growing trend of compound drug prescribing raises safety concerns and obscures costs.