Florida repackaged drug payments to physicians dropped in 2013: Report

Physician repackaged drug payments in Florida fell by nearly 39% in 2013, according to a recent report by the state Division of Workers' Compensation.

In 2013, the same year Florida passed drug repackaging legislation, physician repackaged drug payments totaled $30.6 million, down from $50 million in 2012, according to the division's “2014 Results and Accomplishments” report released Dec. 23.

Pharmacy repackaged drug payments also decreased in Florida to $684,832 in 2013 from $1.4 million in 2012, the report states.

While Florida pharmacy nonrepackaged drug payments decreased by $6.7 million in 2013, physician nonrepackaged drug payments increased to $23.3 million in 2013 from $11.7 million in 2012, according to the report.

Also in 2013, the number of lost-time workers comp claims in the state decreased, the report states.

According to preliminary data for 2013, Florida had 51,696 lost-time claims, or 6.9 claims per 1,000 workers. Preliminary data for 2012 showed 56,339 lost-time claims, or 7.8 claims per 1,000 workers.