Mail order pharmacy for workers' compensation is a proven cost saver over traditional retail environments. Additionally, it provides the convenience of home delivery of medications into the injured worker's mailbox, negating the necessity of leaving home to fill a prescription. It is especially suited for injured workers with chronic conditions and long-term medication needs, enabling maximum control and quality of care in addition to the convenience and cost savings.

Despite these benefits, mail order pharmacy for workers' compensation has caused some industry controversy with potential abuse situations, which can contradict the proven value of this type of program as a cost-reducer. With advancements in the industry, leading providers are now approaching workers' compensation pharmacy benefit management (PBM) for mail order from an end-to-end claims perspective — applying integrated adjudication, clinical oversight, and total cost control through conversion to mail order.

Clinically Focused Approach
Workers' compensation PBMs with a core competency in mail order have elevated their approach to include clinical management capabilities, which improve quality of care for injured workers and promote return to work while assisting claims adjusters in providing a higher level of services. These programs are managed by clinical pharmacists and supporting pharmacy technicians with specific experience in the management of pain and other chronic medication.