Pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American healthcare providers write 259 million prescriptions for opioid pain medication each yea…
The opioid epidemic in this country has left prescribers looking for pain treatment alternatives, and one emerging option has been anticonvulsants known as gabapentinoids (e.g. gabapentin and Lyrica®, also known as pregabalin). With a need for option…
Early nurse engagement makes a valuable impact in 3 key areas Recent analysis of Sedgwick’s claims data shows that employers using 24/7 clinical consultation for workplace injuries saw 34% lower incurred costs than those using an intake process with…
Sedgwick routinely reminds clients and colleagues about the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. The next Take Back Day will be Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. In 2010, the DEA started org…
Methadone is an opioid medication most commonly used for detoxification, maintenance treatment of opioid addiction, and limited use for chronic pain. The drawbacks to its use stem from the risk of addiction and abuse with the medication, even at reco…
Rachel enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables. She enjoyed cooking, taking walks and spending time with her grandchildren. After she was injured at work, she was optimistic about making a speedy recovery. She was 53 years old and had always stayed …
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 80 times more potent than fentanyl and 8,000 times more potent than heroin. Having been created and used as an elephant tranquilizer in China, it has now found its way into the hands of the public. This dru…
Three weeks ago, I was wrapping up a discussion with a client and fellow Sedgwick colleagues on the opioid epidemic. Someone in the room received the unexpected text that Prince had died. In the next few moments, without any other information, my fel…
I am looking forward to the 2015 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference in Orlando. I will be moderating The Center for Excellence – The Study of Medical Cost Drivers in Workers’ Compensation panel titled, “Managing prescription drugs and power…