Chronic pain is by far the most debilitating—and for claims payers the most costly—compensable condition in Workers' Compensation, according to a new report from analysts WorkCompCentral.
The report chronicles the rise of opioid use in Workers' Comp over the last 20 years, but notes it is now in retreat as a result of increased criticism and research.
Opioids are defined as medications that relieve pain by reducing the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain, for example, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), morphine and fentanyl. Although some use the term “narcotics” to refer to these drugs, it's a less precise term.
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Rosalie Donlon
Rosalie Donlon is the editor in chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, including NU Property & Casualty magazine and NU PropertyCasualty360.com. You can contact her at [email protected].
