Finishing up the Annual Survey of Prescription Drug Management in Workers’ Comp this week (I hope!). 24 payers responded this year – TPAs, Insurers, State funds, and very large employers. Each provided specific data about their pharmacy programs, data which provides remarkable insights into what’s really going on.
Something jumped out at me that I had to get out immediately…
Two big takeaways – drug spend dropped by almost 10 percent…
while opioid spend decreased even more – almost 14 percent.
Wrap your head around that.
Work comp PBMs and payers succeeded in eliminating one of every seven dollars spent on opioids; yes, overall drug spend was down a full 10 percent, driven in large part by lower utilization of opioids.
When opioids are eliminated, the drugs needed to counteract their awful side effects – everything from constipation to sexual dysfunction to gastrointestinal distress to depression – are reduced as well.
The programs, processes, analytical resources, clinical staff, research, and patient outreach that’s driven this stunning result are largely PBM-delivered (with some notable exceptions). These services are clearly improving the quality of care delivered to work comp patients, while reducing costs for employers and taxpayers.
A shipload of opioids has been taken out of circulation, eliminating the possibility of diversion, misuse, or abuse.
What does this mean for you?
Healthier patients, lower costs, reduced disability.
Article source:Managed Care Matters
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