Michigan Workers’ Compensation Update

Effective December 26, 2014, the new Health Care Service Rules will make it much easier for workers’ compensation insurance carriers to deny reimbursement to physicians who prescribe opioids to injured workers.

Rule 418.101008 will require the physician to submit a written report to the insurance carrier no later than 90 days after the initial opioid prescription fill, and every 90 days thereafter.  In addition, the physician will have to include a treatment plan, which includes periodic urine drug screens.

The new regulation is touted as part of the Workers’ Compensation Agency’s efforts to contain costs for job providers.  (See the Associated Press article on Michigan Radio).

Clearly, this regulation will benefit workers’ compensation insurance carriers; it is another step towards evidence-based medicine.  How it effects physicians, injured workers, and employers remains to be seen.  Can physicians provide the office time to meet with injured workers every 90 days?  Will it be feasible for physicians to meet these reporting requirements?  Will injured workers receive less than optimal treatment for their work injuries, which in turn may prevent them from being able to return to work?  Will insurance premiums be reduced for employers?

Sam Larrabee