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I consider myself reasonably well versed in the areas of chronic pain management and the related narcotic treatment protocols. However, a recent PBS NewsHour interview provided a statistic that made even me stop and reflect.
“The United States, with about 5 percent of the world’s population, is consuming 80 percent of the world’s oxycodone supply and 99 percent of the world’s hydrocodone supply.”
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, is making an Alamo-like stand in this battle.
Effective February 1, in Texas, MS Contin and Fentanyl transdermal patches (two powerful opioids) will now be classified as non-formulary on their closed drug listing, and thus will require pre-authorization before they can be prescribed to injured workers. These medications join the list with the infamous and expensive Actiq lollipop as a narcotic requiring special approval.
If your jurisdiction doesn’t have a definitive plan to limit certain abusive narcotics, you’re going to have to work a little smarter.
Call us. We can do better.
William Faris, JD
Chief Executive Officer
502-495-5040
william.faris@omca.biz
www.omca.biz |
