In Workers’ Comp, the Topics We Talk about Will Continue to Broaden in 2020
2 MIN READ
When thinking about the future, one often looks back, determines what might not have been accomplished and adds things that haven’t been attempted. In workers’ comp, it can often feel like we deal with the same challenges over and over and are disappointed that things aren’t moving fast enough. Some topics have been mainstays in the industry. Think of opioid use, misuse, and abuse; return-to-work programs; ergonomics and safety; new and improved approaches to case management.
2019 Recap
3 MIN READ
As we wrap up the year, we’d like to thank everyone who supported The Sounding Board blog in 2019. The official launch took place in July and since then we have shared 47 posts.
Peter Rousmaniere Part 2: Trends and Advice for Comp
We’re back with the second part of our exclusive interview with Peter Rousmaniere in which he discusses how current trends will impact the future of the industry and gives us a preview of what he plans to do next after his retirement from workers’ comp. Here’s part 2.
Warnings about impurities in Zantac® and blood pressure medicines
2 MIN READ
In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the discovery of low levels of an impurity in brand, generic, and over- the-counter (OTC) versions of a popular heartburn medication, Zantac® (Ranitidine HCl) 1, prompting a flurry of manufacturer recalls, national distribution halts, and product removals from retail pharmacy shelves. Ranitidine is an H2 (Histamine-2) blocker approved as a prescription medicine for treatment and prevention of GI ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). OTC versions are approved for relief of acid indigestion and sour stomach. H2 blockers (like Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac) act by reducing the amount of acid produced by cells lining the stomach.
Peter Rousmaniere Part 1: Comp’s Evolutions and Influencers
When you think of industry icons in workers’ comp, Peter Rousmaniere is among the select few at the top of the list. For more than 30 years, Peter has been a major influencer in workers’ comp, especially over the past couple of decades as a popular columnist. Last month, Peter announced his well-deserved retirement, so we asked him to join us on Inside Workers’ Comp to talk about his celebrated career and offer insights on the industry. The conversation was so profound that we made it into a two-parter. Here’s Part 1.
What moved the state of Ohio to drop OxyContin® from their formulary?
3 MIN READ
The state of Ohio, among the hardest hit in the nation for opioid overdose deaths, has undertaken a number of measures to meet the crisis as it has evolved. A review of opioid use in the injured worker population, completed in 2011, revealed an alarming number (73%) were filling opioid prescriptions.1 A closed formulary, expanded access to antidote products (naloxone), and opioid focused prescribing guidelines have all followed since and have contributed to some reductions in prescribing and the prevalence of opioid use.
Three Workers' Comp Trends & How to Manage Them
In 2019, we have seen a variety of workers’ compensation trends come into even sharper focus, from electronic billing to medical marijuana to the aging workforce. Identifying and effectively managing trends and changes in the workers’ compensation industry can help claims organizations to make continuous operational improvements that can ultimately have a positive effect on their bottom lines and more importantly on positive outcomes for injured employees. Below, we have explored three significant trends affecting the industry today and outlined key tips for effectively managing them.