Proactive Opioid Management Saves $1.4M
Genex’s Medication Safety Program empowers employers and workers’ compensation payers to balance drug price and utilization, identify high-risk cases, ensure only approved, appropriate drugs are dispensed, and proactively reduce narcotic addiction. In this case, Genex reduced claimant’s medication dependency by more than 50%.
Pain
After working 60+ hour weeks using air sanders, drills, and other vibrational tools, injured employee had numbness and pain in both hands and wrists that went to both shoulders and upper extremities. The injured employee underwent 17 surgeries over nine years and ended up taking 17 medications.
A peer-to-peer review revealed three major issues:
- An underlying overuse injury that caused pain to both hands and wrists
- Significant psychiatric issues, ranging from severe depression to suicidal thoughts, despite extensive psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy
- A clear need for inpatient detox or a similar program that included an outpatient program with a strong psychological/psychiatric follow-up plan
Remedy
Based on the review, 17 medications were reduced to seven. The injured employee signed an opioid treatment agreement and underwent random urine drug monitoring at least twice a year.
Outcome
The injured employee has significantly reduced dependency on opioids resulting in $44,206 annual savings.
