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John Don May 25, 2018 a 3:05 pm PDT
If you add the cost of UR/IMR - we may conclude that all these reforms did little to curtail unnecessary costs while throwing the injured worker into a regulatory rabbit hole. Only a miracle rabbit can get out without being embittered by all the denials due to cost containment's. What's up doc?!
Paul Johnson May 25, 2018 a 5:05 pm PDT
The RFA/UR/IMR process also creates unwarranted delays in receiving basic medical treatment which can create unnecessary (longer) periods of temporary disability. It's hard to explain to injured workers, who want treatment so they can get back to work, the reason(s) why treatment is delayed/denied.
Dr May 25, 2018 a 6:05 pm PDT
Not a surprise -- we know from "Opioid Prescribing and Panic," workcompcentral, 2017-08-15, that many MPNs (Medical Provider Networks) denied injured workers access to alternative treatments for pain in the belief that the MPN would save money. Treating doctors were then obliged to rely on opioids and other medications when the alternative treatments were denied. That's what happens when "regulators" get the upper hand ("What happens when clinicians don't trust regulators," workcompcentral, 2015-12-02). -- Robert L. Weinmann, MD, Editor, The Weinmann Report, www.politicsofhealthcare.com