PRIUM-WorkCompCentral.com webinars explores implications of Texas Closed Pharmacy Formulary for other jurisdictions
Duluth, Ga. (Nov. 8, 2013) —PRIUM and WorkCompCentral.com will present a webinar on the results of Texas’ two-year-old workers’ compensation closed pharmacy formulary and discuss its implications for other states. “How a Closed Rx Formulary Protects Injured Workers and Payers” takes place from 1 to 2:15 p.m. PT on Nov. 14. The webinar is free and open to stakeholders in all workers’ compensation systems. Register online at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/667060126.
The goal is “to share ideas across jurisdictions that can help all workers’ compensation systems better address prescription drug abuse,” said Senior Vice President Mark Pew of PRIUM. Joining Pew are two ranking officials of the Texas Dept. of Workers’ Compensation, Commissioner Rod Bordelon and Deputy Commissioner Matt Zurek, Austin-based attorney Stuart Colburn, co-author of the “Texas Workers’ Compensation Handbook, 2013 Edition” and Graves T. Owen, M.D., a board-certified pain management specialist practicing in Central Texas.
The Closed Drug Formulary implemented by Texas has been successful, as measured by the reduction in the prescription and use of dangerous medications, according to Pew. Texas officials have documented a decline in prescriptions of opioids and narcotics in the workers’ compensation system. In addition, prescription drug costs attributed to not-recommended (ODG “N”) drugs were reduced by 75 percent under the formulary, when compared to 2010 claims data.
The webinar will discuss the implementation and outcomes of the Texas Closed Formulary, lessons for other jurisdictions, and strategies other states are employing to control opioid overutilization.
WorkCompCentral.com will offer one hour of CE credit for California Claims Professionals for attendees. Information about WorkCompCentral.com’s webinar series and links to the system requirements for PCs, Macs and mobile devices may be found at http://support.citrixonline.com/en_US/gotowebinar/all_files/GTW010004. Customer and technical support are available by calling the WorkCompCentral Education office, 805-484-0333, ext. 5, or by emailing questions to admin@workcompcentral.com. ABOUT PRIUM An Ameritox solutions provider, PRIUM sets the industry standard in optimizing workers’ compensation financial and clinical outcomes. PRIUM’s medical intervention program results in higher agreement rates and ensures compliance with modified treatment plans by combining physician engagement and enforcement, utilization review, urine drug monitoring and independent medical exams to eliminate unnecessary treatment. Based in Duluth, Ga., PRIUM can be reached at prium.com or 888.588.4964. For insight on workers’ compensation medical issues, read PRIUM’s blog at www.priumevidencebased.com.
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Media Contact: Helen Knight, 813-690-4787; helen@kingknight.com