National Study Indicates Michigan Has Seen Largest Decrease in Workers’ Comp Opioid Prescriptions

According to a study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), Michigan boasted the country’s largest decrease in the amount of opioids prescribed for workers’ compensation claims between 2009 and 2015. In total, the amount fell by 37 percent, and the WCRI claims it is due to amendments of Workers’ Compensation Health Care Services rules and fee schedule. Those amendments did not begin until 2014, but they prevented reimbursements for opioid treatment beyond 90 days for chronic pain—so long as it wasn’t linked to cancer, or physicians met detailed reporting requirements. “Opioid abuse is a major concern in our state, especially for those who are hurt on the job,” Mark Long, director of the Workers’ Compensation Agency which oversees the services, said. “The WCA is focused on keeping injured Michigan workers healthy by reducing potential addiction problems.”