Research
Trends in the Use of Opioids in California WC
CWCI research based on 10.8 million California workers' comp prescriptions filled between 2005 and 2014 identifies trends in the volume, cost, potency and types of opioids used to treat injured workers over the past decade.
Impact of the Calif. WC OMFS New Geographic Adjustment Factor
Impact of the OMFS's New Geographic Adjustment Factor: CWCI Research compares E&M service and payment data before and after the switch from a statewide to an MSA-based geographic adjustment factor within the OMFS. The study compares 2018 and 2019 data to identify changes in the distribution of E&M services and payments among MSA-assigned counties; average amounts paid within MSA-assigned counties; the overall mix of E&M services used within the state; and the proportion of E&M services that were paid below the amount allowed by the fee schedule and the change in the average discount.
Integrating COVID-19 Presumptions into California Workers' Compensation
A CWCI Report examines the historic role of WC presumptions, the current and proposed COVID-19 presumptions, and results of a survey detailing characteristics and outcomes of initial COVID-19 claims.
Post-Reform Medical Service Approval Rates in California WC
A new CWCI study on California workers comp medical care approval rates shows 94% of all treatment services performed or requested for injured workers in the first 10 months of 2018 were either approved or approved with modifications, though outcomes varied by type of service.
California WC ADR System: Attorney Involvement Rates and Claim Costs
A 9-page CWCI Report to the Industry details CWCI research that looks at the history of alternative dispute resolution programs (ADRs) in California workers compensation and compares attorney involvement and benefit payments for similar claims handled under ADRs and traditional workers compensation policies.
California Workers' Compensation Inpatient Hospitalization Trends, 2010-2018
CWCI's updated look at changes in the volume of inpatient hospitalizations in WC, Medicare, Medi-Cal and private plans from 2010-2018. The study shows the most common WC inpatient diagnosis-related group codes (MS-DRGs) and the top 5 Major Diagnostic Categories (MDCs); and provides detailed data on other workers compensation inpatient trends, including changes in the volume of implant-eligible spinal surgeries and a listing of the top 10 hospitals based on injured workers as a percent of their total inpatient discharges. CWCI members and subscribers can log in to view the summary Bulletin under the Communications tab, and the full report under the Research tab. Institute members can also log in to access the updated version of the Inpatient Hospital interactive tool from the Research section. CWCI members and subscribers who log in may read the full report, others may purchase a copy from the Store.
