Misconceptions, Mistakes and Malevolence 2.0

Continuing in our series addressing last week’s The New England Journal of Medicine study, we all know the risks of opioids:

• Diversion;
• Overdose;
• Addiction.

 

The likelihood of these risks are governed by many factors. These factors are well known in the workers’ comp industry and include:

• Daily dosage greater than 60 morphine milligram equivalents;
• Used in combination with benzodiazepines;
• Long-term use greater than 3 months;
• Depression history;
• Previous substance abuse or overdose.

 

But were you aware of these additional risk factors:

• Age over 65;
• Renal impairment;
• Sleep-disordered breathing;
• Adolescence?

 

With no single risk, there is no simple change in prescribing behavior to address and remediate the complex opioid-influenced claim.

 

Next week…Mitigation Strategies.

 

Call us. We can do better.

 

William Faris, JD
Chief Executive Officer
502-495-5040
william.faris@omca.biz
www.omca.biz

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