Nip It in the Bud

“…today’s eight-year-olds are tomorrow’s teenagers. I say this calls for action, and now. Nip it in the bud.” – Deputy Barney Fife, 1962, concerned about the behavior of Opie and his posse

 

I’m linking to an article in Claims Journal that includes a white paper from Keith Rosenblum at Lockton Companies.

 

The premise of the article concerns medical imaging, and how resultant over-diagnosis and treatment plans can be unsupported by the evidence and ultimately increase costs and disability. According to the authors quoting literature from The American College of Physicians:

• Much treatment based on MRI “abnormalities” represents “over-diagnosis;”
• Routine use of imaging should be discouraged.

 

Although I don’t concur with every conclusion these authors make, what I do agree with is when your claimant has non-specific low back complaints, early and aggressive Nurse Case Management is key.

 

Or… “Nip it in the bud” before imaging, surgery and opioids make it too expensive and too late.

 

Addressing comorbidity/psychosocial factors, along with patient education and wellness programs — it’s what we do when we “nip it in the bud.”

 

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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