Contracts may thwart opioid abuse

Employers looking to prevent injured workers from misusing opioids for their chronic pain may want to encourage treating physicians to develop agreements with their patients.

The medical director of third-party administrator Sedgwick CMS says such contracts should be carefully worded to outline what is expected of each party.

"It outlines the side effects and risks of the drug," says Dr. Teresa Bartlett. "It tells patients what is expected of them by their treating physician."

States take varying actions to curb opioid abuse (02/27/12)
New report shows growing off-label narcotic use in California (05/26/11)
Food and Drug Administration to examine opioids, chronic pain (02/04/13)
Medical marijuana users denied ADA protections (12/17/12)
WCRI study highlights variations in narcotics use among comp systems (07/21/11)

For example, the contract would specify:

You will take the drug as prescribed.
You won't seek pain relief from other physicians.
You won't go to the emergency room or other physicians; I will be the person treating the pain.
You will participate in physical therapy or other activities I am asking you to do.

"It may also stipulate the use of random drug screening," Bartlett said. "It spells out 'if you violate the contract it violates this relationship and the medication won't continue.'"

January 28, 2013

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