Larry Yuspeh

An Investigation of the Effects of a Healthcare Provider Network on Costs and Lost Time in Workers’ Compensation

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the number of lost time days and cost of workers’ compensation claims at a median claim duration (maturity) of 25 months for individuals injured between August 1, 2003, and July 31, 2004, who chose a statewide (Louisiana) network (Omnet Gold) of healthcare providers not subject to utilization review. Methods: We identified and contrasted 176 lost time claims (143 closed) managed by Omnet Gold (OG) healthcare providers and 1464 lost time claims managed by healthcare providers not participating in OG. Results: The average frequency of lost workdays for a closed OG claim was 53 days versus 99 days for a closed non-OG claim and the average cost of a closed OG claim was

A preliminary investigation of the effects of a provider network on costs and lost-time in Workers' Compensation

12,554, whereas the average cost of a closed non-OG claim was

Temporal Relationship Between Lumbar Spine Surgeries, Return to Work, and Workers' Compensation Costs in a Cohort of Injured Workers

20,400. Both days lost from work and costs were significantly lower among claims managed by OG healthcare providers. This outcome was consistent with the findings of a previous study performed on the same claims in which a significant difference was demonstrated analyzing primarily open (unresolved) claims with a median claim duration of 6 months. The ability of OG healthcare providers to return a higher proportion of injured workers to work early and shorten claims durations were the major factors influencing these outcomes. Conclusions: In a state where claimants are permitted choice of medical provider, a network of healthcare providers can achieve superior lost time and cost outcomes than out of network healthcare providers.

Is Early Prescribing of Opioid and Psychotropic Medications Associated With Delayed Return to Work and Increased Final Workers' Compensation Cost?

Objective:We sought to compare lost-time days and average and median workers’ compensation claims costs between injured workers managed by OMNET Gold (OG) physicians and those managed by physicians not participating in OG. OG is a statewide health care provider network coordinated by occupational medicine physicians and established by the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation (LWCC) to manage the medical care of injured workers. Methods:We identified and contrasted 158 lost-time claims managed by OG physicians and 1,323 claims managed by physicians not participating in OG during the first year of network operation (August 1, 2003 to July 31, 2004). Results:The average and median costs for a non-OG claim was

Relationship between opioid prescribing patterns and claim duration and cost

12,542 and

Is Obesity Associated with Adverse Workers' Compensation Claims Outcomes?

5,793, whereas the average and median costs for an OG claim was

Work Enabling Opioid Management.

6,749 and

Is Employer-Directed Medical Care Associated with Decreased Workers' Compensation Claim Costs?

3,015. The average and median number of lost-time days for an OG claim was 53.4 and 34.0 and 95.0 and 58.0 for a non-OG claim. The mean differences were statistically significant. Conclusions:A small network of physicians may have an effect on the duration of lost-time and workers’ compensation costs.

A Seven-Year Longitudinal Claim Analysis to Assess the Factors Contributing to the Increased Severity of Work-Related Injuries

Objective: Determine the relationship between time to surgery, lost time, and insurance costs. Method: A cohort of 582 claimants undergoing lumbar spine surgery (1999 to 2002) in the state of Louisiana was observed for 7 years. Results: The shorter the time interval between injury and first lumbar surgery, the lower the cost and time lost from work. Average days lost from work and claim costs for 42% of those undergoing early lumbar surgery did not differ from injured workers who lost time from work for claims not involving lumbar surgery. Claim cost for the remaining 58% who had delayed surgery was 5.7 times greater than that for the early surgery cohort. Conclusion: The decision to perform lumbar surgery is not necessarily associated with high claim costs or longer time out from work, provided that the determination to operate is early.

Increases in the use and cost of opioids to treat acute and chronic pain in injured workers, 1999 to 2009

Objective: To explore the association between the initial 60 days of prescriptions for psychotropic medications and final workers’ compensation claim outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 11,394 claimants involved in lost time injuries between 1999 and 2002 were followed through December 31, 2009. Logistic regressions and Cox Proportional Hazard Models were used in the analysis. Results: The initial 60 days of prescriptions for psychotropic medications were significantly associated with a final claim cost at least