New online functionality includes drug code data

Workers' comp providers seeking more information on evidence-based opioid treatments will get some help thanks to an improved online tool.

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has integrated government drug code data into its online Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines database.

Users will be able to search for specific drugs by ingredient, generic, or brand name to find the related recommendation.

Use of Schedule II narcotics decreases among California injured workers (08/13/12)
IAIABC, ACOEM target state workers' comp agencies with opioid message (10/24/11)
Study shows increasing frequency, costs of physician-dispensed meds (09/06/12)
Opioids, physician dispensing continue to concern practitioners (02/25/13)
Opioids, physician dispensing are major concerns among WC payers (02/11/13)

"This can be very important when riskier medications are involved," the organization said in announcing the integration. "Opioids, for example, are widely recommended for post-surgical use, but longer term use requires much more selectivity. This new functionality will allow adjusters a more complete review of treatment and medication recommendations."

ACOEM announced it was integrating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's National Drug Code data into its online program. "With more than 600 medication-related recommendations, users of the third edition of the practice guidelines will now have access to more than 40,000 generic and brand name drug formulations," ACOEM said. "ACOEM's evidence-based recommendations for treatment of injured workers differentiate the appropriateness of an intervention by time of expected recovery."

The guidelines were developed "in response to rising expectations for quality of care; increased expectations for good outcomes and medical safety; the need to stop overutilization and curb unproductive and even harmful procedures; and the need to reflect advances in medicine based on the best available evidence," ACOEM said. The online platform allows browsing and searching through text and keyword, and ICD9 and CPT codes. It also allows support for mobile applications.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

September 20, 2012

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