What is an MCO?
3 MIN READ
More often than not clients will ask the question: What is an MCO? Well isn’t that a loaded question? If we take it at face value, a Managed Care Organization (MCO) is an organization that manages care. Like Coventry, who manages all types of “care” injured workers seek to get on the road to recovery. However, usually the question has more to do with State Certified Managed Care Programs, commonly referred to as MCOs. From there it gets clear as mud. While the general category of state certified programs may be commonly referred to as MCOs, when you get into the state specifics you won’t find it to be that easy.
Investigating the Top Therapeutic Classes
2 MIN READ
First Script saw a decrease in opioid utilization across our retail and mail-order programs in 2018. In 2017, opioids made up 29.7% of total prescriptions, dropping to 26.9% in 2018, and representing a 2.8% decrease in utilization year over year.
Opioids in 2019: Insights into New Regulations and Studies of the Epidemic
5 MIN READ
Momentum in battling the opioid crisis continues. As more states enact opioid prescribing limits, the federal government proposes new legislation, while new studies look at the impact of opioid laws and medical marijuana on lessening opioid abuse.
How Naloxone Can Help Fight the Opioid Crisis
3 MIN READ
As the U.S. looks for ways to stem the opioid crisis, one major strategy that has emerged is the use of naloxone to counteract opioid overdoses. The FDA’s recent approval of the generic form of Narcan®, which is the first generic formulation for naloxone nasal spray, provides another avenue to reverse the impact of the opioid crisis.
Morphine Equivalent Dose (MED) Continues to Decline
3 MIN READ
In 2018 Coventry’s pharmacy benefit management solution, First Script®, saw a 7.8% decrease in average MED per prescription for its retail and mail-order channels. This was the largest decrease in the last 5 years across First Script’s retail and mail-order programs. In addition, there was a reduction in the percentage of opioid scripts with greater than or equal to 90 MED. To better understand why this is important let’s answer a few questions.
Top Therapeutic Classes by Age of Claim in 2018
1 MIN READ
In this video blog we discuss the types of medications utilized by ill or injured workers can vary depending on the age of the claim and differences in claim population. Understanding the most-utilized types of medications in younger vs. older claims can help guide decision-making and aid in identifying opportunities for intervention that can lead to better overall outcomes. Click the video below to learn more.
Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace Using the Case Manager Approach
4 MIN READ
Mental health has traditionally been considered a pariah in workers’ compensation claims management. The old way of thinking is that when psychological issues enter the picture, claim costs spin out of control and return-to-work delays soar.