Mujahed Shraim1, Manuel Cifuentes, Joanna L Willetts, Helen R Marucci-Wellman, Glenn Pransky. 1. Center for Disability Research (Dr Shraim, Ms Willetts, Dr Pransky), Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton; Work Environment Department (Dr Shraim), University of Massachusetts Lowell; Research and Evaluation Unit (Dr Cifuentes), Center for Health Policy and Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury; Center for Injury Epidemiology (Ms Willetts, Dr Marucci-Wellman), Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, Massachusetts; and An-Najah National University (Dr Shraim), Nablus, Palestine.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of state workers' compensation (WC) policies regarding wage replacement and medical benefits on medical costs and length of disability (LOD) in workers with low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of LBP claims from 49 states (n = 59,360) filed between 2002 and 2008, extracted from a large WC administrative database. RESULTS: Longer retroactive periods and state WC laws allowing treating provider choice were associated with higher medical costs and longer LOD. Limiting the option to change providers and having a fee schedule were associated with longer LOD, except that allowing a one-time treating provider change was associated with lower medical costs and shorter LOD. CONCLUSIONS: WC policies about wage replacement and medical treatment appear to be associated with WC LBP outcomes, and might represent opportunities to improve LOD and reduce medical costs in occupational LBP.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of state workers' compensation (WC) policies regarding wage replacement and medical benefits on medical costs and length of disability (LOD) in workers with low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of LBP claims from 49 states (n = 59,360) filed between 2002 and 2008, extracted from a large WC administrative database. RESULTS: Longer retroactive periods and state WC laws allowing treating provider choice were associated with higher medical costs and longer LOD. Limiting the option to change providers and having a fee schedule were associated with longer LOD, except that allowing a one-time treating provider change was associated with lower medical costs and shorter LOD. CONCLUSIONS: WC policies about wage replacement and medical treatment appear to be associated with WC LBP outcomes, and might represent opportunities to improve LOD and reduce medical costs in occupational LBP.
Authors: Mette Jensen Stochkendahl; Ole Kristoffer Larsen; Casper Glissmann Nim; Iben Axén; Julia Haraldsson; Ole Christian Kvammen; Corrie Myburgh Journal: Chiropr Man Therap Date: 2018-04-26
Authors: Fraser W Gaspar; Roman Kownacki; Catherine S Zaidel; Craig F Conlon; Kurt T Hegmann Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2017-12 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: Mujahed Shraim; Manuel Cifuentes; Joanna L Willetts; Helen R Marucci-Wellman; Glenn Pransky Journal: Am J Ind Med Date: 2017-04-03 Impact factor: 2.214