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Work Enabling Opioid Management.

Lavin, Robert A. MD, MS; Kalia, Nimisha MD, MPH, MBA; Yuspeh, Larry BA; Barry, Jill A. BSN, RN, COHN-S, WCCM; Bernacki, Edward J. MD, MPH; Tao, Xuguang (Grant) MD, PhD
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine: Post Author Corrections: July 7, 2017
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001080
Original Article: PDF Only

Objective: This study describes the relationship between opioid prescribing and ability to work.

Methods: The opioid prescription patterns of 4994 claimants were studied. Three groups were constructed: 1) at least 3 consecutive months prescribed (chronic opioid therapy; COT); 2) less than 3 consecutive months prescribed (acute opioid therapy; AOT); and 3) no opioids prescribed. Variables included sex, age, daily morphine equivalent dose (MED), days opioids were prescribed, temporary total days (TTDs), and medical/indemnity/total costs.

Results: The COT versus AOT claimants had higher opioid costs ($8618 vs $94), longer TTD (636.2 vs 182.3), and average MED (66.8 vs 34.9). Only 2% of the COT cohort were not released to work. Fifty-seven percent of patients in the COT category (64 of 112) were released to work while still receiving opioids.

Conclusion: COT does not preclude ability to work when prescribing within established guidelines.

Copyright (C) 2017 by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine