Robert A Lavin1, Xuguang Grant Tao, Larry Yuspeh, Edward J Bernacki. 1. From the Department of Neurology (Dr Lavin), University of Maryland School of Medicine; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Drs Tao and Bernacki), Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; and Strategic Risk and Strategy Management (Ms Yuspeh), Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation, Baton Rouge.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Study the use patterns and claim cost impact of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines in workers' compensation. METHODS: A cohort of 11,394 lost time claims filed with the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation from 1999 to 2002 was observed for 7 years post injuries. RESULTS: We found that benzodiazepines are almost always prescribed in combination with opioids. The odds ratios of benzodiazepines used alone, with short-acting opioids and with long-acting opioids for claims ≥$100,000, were 2.74, 4.69, and 14.24, respectively (after controlling for gender, low back pain, marital status, attorney involvement, and each other). Average benzodiazepine daily dose increased to year 3 postinjury and plateaued thereafter, whereas the average opioid dose escalated each year postinjury. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of benzodiazepines to an opioid treatment regimen significantly increases workers' compensation costs.
OBJECTIVE: Study the use patterns and claim cost impact of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines in workers' compensation. METHODS: A cohort of 11,394 lost time claims filed with the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation from 1999 to 2002 was observed for 7 years post injuries. RESULTS: We found that benzodiazepines are almost always prescribed in combination with opioids. The odds ratios of benzodiazepines used alone, with short-acting opioids and with long-acting opioids for claims ≥$100,000, were 2.74, 4.69, and 14.24, respectively (after controlling for gender, low back pain, marital status, attorney involvement, and each other). Average benzodiazepine daily dose increased to year 3 postinjury and plateaued thereafter, whereas the average opioid dose escalated each year postinjury. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of benzodiazepines to an opioid treatment regimen significantly increases workers' compensation costs.
Authors: Michele Kowalski-McGraw; Judith Green-McKenzie; Sudha P Pandalai; Paul A Schulte Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2017-11 Impact factor: 2.162