Research
Independent Medical Review Decisions – January Through December 2015
A detailed analysis on IMR outcomes, including decision counts and uphold rates, based on data gleaned from 2015 IMR determination letters
Medical Review and Medical Dispute Resolution in California WC
New CWCI research based on 2014 UR data and IMR determinations from the first half of 2015 shows an estimated 96 percent of medical services in California workers' comp are approved.
Prescribing Patterns for Schedule II Opioids in Calif. WC.
A new CWCI study on prescribing patterns for Schedule II Opioids in California workers' compensation finds that a relatively small percentage of medical providers account for the vast majority of these narcotic prescriptions and the associated payments, and that more than half of the prescriptions are for minor back injury claims.
Prescribing Patterns of Schedule II Opioids Part 2: Fentanyl Prescriptions in California Workers' Compensation
A CWCI Research Spotlight Report on the use of fentanyl – the most potent Schedule II opioid – in California workers' comp finds that more than 1 out of every 5 injured workers who are prescribed Schedule II opioids receive fentanyl, while more than a quarter of all claimants with non-surgical medical back problems who are prescribed Schedule II opioids receive fentanyl.
CWCI Research Documents Continuing Growth in Calif. WC Medical
A new CWCI Research Update reveals that average medical expenditures on California work injury claims continue to climb, with medical treatment, prescription/durable medical equipment (DME), medical management/cost containment and med-legal payments all trending up.
Temporary Disability Outcomes in California WC AY 2002 – 2009
New CWCI data on California workers' comp TD claim experience since the enactment of 2004 reforms shows that average TD payments and paid TD days have increased in recent years, with average TD paid 12 months after the initial payment on AY 2009 claims nearly matching the pre-reform level noted in AY 2004, while the average paid at 24 months on AY 2008 claims exceeding the pre-reform high.
