Solution Arc: Opioid abuse and workers compensation

Narcotic pain relievers known as opioids have emerged as a major problem for workers compensation payers and claimants.

Claimants treated for chronic pain are being prescribed these highly addictive drugs even though the outcome could be longer disability durations, addiction or death, instead of improvements in the medical conditions the drugs are intended to treat.

In a new Solution Arc on our Workers Comp channel, Business Insurance examines the growing problem of opioid abuse, its impact on the workers comp system in terms of costs and treatment outcomes, and the strategies employers and others are using to reduce opioid abuse.

Business Insurance Solution Arcs, which offer in-depth coverage of critical business challenges, take readers through a three-step problem-solving process from identification to solution. Solution Arcs are updated to reflect developments and include original Business Insurance content as well as relevant outside views and resources.

Explore the Solution Arc, “Opioid Abuse and Workers Compensation: Tackling a Growing Problem,” here.