Although it has been discussed frequently in workers’ comp circles, the cost of using off label drugs to treat workers’ comp injuries is a practice that continues to thrive, despite states attempts to draw attention to it. It’s an industry that continues to cost employers over $1 billion a year. Besides the cost it’s dangerous, especially in pain management. Some drugs intended for Stage four cancer patients are being used to treat back and joint pain with no proof that they provide any benefit. In fact because they’re powerful opioids, they may do more harm by leading to addiction.
Indemnity claims are another cause for concern. While they’re going down in most states, California being the exception, injuries that result in lost wages and permanent disability still cost employers more in higher workers’ comp premiums. In the current economy insurance experts point out that cottage industries are cropping up that get injured workers on disability, as an acceptable alternative to working.
This has serious consequences for staffing as more and more companies rely on temporary employees. Emphasizing safety and managing the costs of workers’ compensation through a traditional workers’ comp carrier, or better yet a professional employer organization (PEO), should be a top priority if these trends continue.
Please call us for a FREE workers’ compensation quote at 202-302-1212. Or visit us as www.StaffingCompSolutions.com.
All the best
David Schek
President-Work Comp Staffing Solutions