Downers Grove, IL - June 2, 2014 - the 2013 First Script Drug Trends Report is being released today by Coventry Workers' Comp Services (Coventry). The report includes information on prescriptions billed in 2013 through Coventry's First Script pharmacy benefit management solution, and provides comparisons from 2010 First Script data through 2013, as well as industry insights, articles and solutions to the ever growing issues in work comp pharmaceuticals.
The report discusses pharmaceutical trends for workers' compensation injuries by therapeutic class, Top 10 drugs and trends by claim age for both narcotic and non-narcotic use. It also identifies cost and utilization patterns, offers solutions to manage these trends, and provides insight into the potential drivers behind them. In addition, regulatory observations, insight into important issues facing the industry, and projections are discussed.
Some interesting findings in this year's report include:
- The number of cases involving narcotic use declined from 2012
- While the top 10 drugs remained consistent, the top two most prescribed narcotics declined from 2012
- Oxycontin®, Vicodin® and Opana® ER had decreases in utilization and spend from the prior year
- Early intervention programs are impacting narcotic use
- The inflation-adjusted cost per narcotic script decreased year-over-year for all claim years (1-10)
- Non-narcotic pain management medications are increasing as substitute for narcotics
- Generic utilization and efficiency continue to rise
"With narcotic over utilization still a pressing issue, early intervention is paramount, and First Script is committed to clinically reviewing every prescription no matter how it was dispensed or billed. Our 2013 report discusses our progress presenting a complete utilization picture at the customer and injured worker level, allowing us to combat the problem." said Brian Carpenter, vice president of product development. "Our expanded prescription data set accelerates clinical insight to identify injured worker risks that were previously unknown. With this broader view, our clinical staff and data analytic teams are able to collaborate and develop sophisticated data models allowing us to have a greater impact on overall patient safety and total claim outcomes."
Download a copy of the 2013 First Script Drug Trends Report.
About Coventry Workers' Comp Services
Coventry Workers' Comp Services offers workers' compensation cost and care management solutions for employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators. With roots in both clinical and network services, we leverage more than 30 years of industry experience, knowledge and data analytics. We offer an integrated suite of solutions, powered by technology to enhance network development, clinical integration and operational efficiencies at the client desktop, with a focus on total claims cost.
www.coventrywcs.com
