current issue

Summer 2024

This edition of RxInformer explores new and ongoing trends impacting workers’ comp – ranging the gamut from child labor regulations to new obesity drugs, climate change, and more.


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Summer 2024

Weighing the Options: Keeping Track of New Obesity Drugs

Comorbid obesity can complicate recovery, and new drugs create new pharmacy considerations.
Summer 2024

Child Labor Laws Are Changing: How Could This Impact Workers’ Comp?

An increase in the teen workforce could impact workplace injury and claims management
Summer 2024

Growing Pains: Key Pharmacy Considerations for Pain Management in Young Workers

Drugs regularly used to manage pain in adult populations may carry greater risks for teens
Summer 2024

Triple Threat: Healthcare Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Workers' Comp

A current look at fraud, waste and abuse in workers’ comp pharmacy and medical services with strategies for management, including next-generation strategies involving AI.
Summer 2024

Removing Barriers to Recovery: A Primer on Psychosocial Treatments for Injured Workers

Psychosocial factors impacting injured workers’ mental and behavioral health can be a barrier to recovery. But addressing any concerns early with the appropriate psychosocial treatments can positively affect a claim and health outcomes.
Summer 2024

Extreme Weather: How Climate Change Impacts Workers and Workers’ Compensation

While everyone is affected by climate change, it’s often those on the front lines who feel it the most – those who work outdoors, in hot indoor environments, or in emergency response.
Summer 2024

State of the Nation

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2023/2024

The Real Promise of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Workers’ Comp

Potential applications, benefits, pitfalls, questions, and the matter of regulation
Winter 2023/2024

The Mind-Body Connection: Exploring the Relationship Between Injury and Mental Health

Physical injuries are often accompanied by mental health disorders such as depression, increasing workers’ comp claim costs and delaying recovery
Winter 2023/2024

Changing Minds? Unlocking the Potential of Psychedelics in Mental Health Therapy

Explore the growing interest in research around psychedelic substances for medical applications related to workers' comp populations, including but not limited to: psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA
Winter 2023/2024

Beyond Opioids: Drugs of Concern in Workers’ Compensation

As opioid utilization decreases, other pharmacy trends bear watching
Winter 2023/2024

Ask a Clinician: What Do I Need to Know About DME Trends?

Healthesystems clinicians tackle questions about Durable Medical Equipment (DME) trends
Winter 2023/2024

State of States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Summer 2023

Risky Business: Evolving Risks Across Workers’ Comp

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
Summer 2023

More than Skin-Deep: Untangling Topical Drug Classes and Costs

A breakdown of the diverse subcategories comprising dermatologicals prescribing and spend
Summer 2023

Unpredictable Costs: How Will Healthcare Price Inflation Impact Workers’ Comp?

Prices are rising for some healthcare products and services that will likely impact workers' compensation medical care
Summer 2023

A Golden Opportunity: The Physical Therapist’s Role in Behavioral Health

The connection between physical and behavioral health opens an opportunity for physical therapists to address mental health for injured workers.
Summer 2023

Build Your Army: Maintaining Cybersecurity Amid the IT Talent Gap

Considerations to counteract the cybersecurity talent shortage in workers' comp organizations
Summer 2023

A Moment of Clarity: Alcohol’s Impact Across Workers and Medical Management

How problematic alcohol use can impact the workplace, claims, and medication management
Summer 2023

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2022-23

New Challenges? New Opportunities

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
Winter 2022-23

Diagnostics As a Defining Touchpoint in the Claims Journey

Timing and accuracy of diagnostic test results can determine the course of an injured worker’s treatment plan and the claim
Winter 2022-23

The Triple Threat of Tobacco Use on Employer, Clinical, and Medication Complexity

Tobacco use as a complicating factor in workplace injury and recovery
Winter 2022-23

Hard Times: How Economic Stability Can Impact Injured Worker Outcomes

How employment status, poverty, housing, and food security can impact patient health
Winter 2022-23

Coming Up Short: IT Talent Woes in Workers’ Comp

A discussion of the global IT talent crisis and its specific impacts in insurance/workers' comp, with strategies to help solution
Winter 2022-23

Things Change: The Growing Diversity of Pharmacy Cost Drivers

Smaller, more niche drug trends across different populations and geographies
Winter 2022-23

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Summer 2022

Moving Past the Pandemic: Setting a Future Focus

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
Summer 2022

In Harm’s Way: The Impact of Violence in Workers’ Comp

Types of violence that can impact workers’ comp
Summer 2022

The Cannabis Question: Marijuana and Workplace Safety?

With greater legalization and public approval, the question of safety grows more important.
Summer 2022

Out of Stock: Medical Supply Chain Shortages Impacting Workers’ Comp

Ancillary medical product and service shortages and how to manage them.
Summer 2022

Social Influencers: The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Injured Worker Recovery

Gaining visibility into Social Determinants of Health that intersect with workplace injury and recovery
Summer 2022

Giving Notice: How Workforce Attrition Impacts Workers’ Comp

Millions of workers are changing occupations, leading to ripple effects for comp.
Summer 2022

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2021/2022

Sickness and Society: The Future of Infectious Disease in the Workplace

Strategies for a safer, healthier workface amid COVID-19 and beyond.
Winter 2021/2022

State of the States

Sandy Shtab, Healthesystems AVP of Advocacy and Compliance, comments on regulatory activity across the country.
Winter 2021/2022

Stepping Up to Take on Pandemic Ripple Effects

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
Winter 2021/2022

Ask a Clinician: What Is the Difference Between Physical and Occupational Therapies?

Healthe's clinicians tackle common workers' comp questions
Winter 2021/2022

Classification Complications: Will Gig Workers Enter the Workers’ Comp Market?

Legislation could reclassify gig workers as employees, which could entitle them to benefits
Winter 2021/2022

The Long Haul: Chronic Health Complications of COVID-19

Those previously infected by coronavirus may face long-term health complications, potentially complicating workers' comp claims
Winter 2021/2022

Out of Balance: Workforce Gender Disparities and What They Mean for Workers’ Comp

Adverse effects of the pandemic on women, the workforce, and workers' comp
Summer 2021

A Brighter Tomorrow? Applying Pandemic Lessons Today

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
Summer 2021

Home Alone: The Mental Health Impact of Working from Home

Extensive isolation and unique stressors may leave remote workers stressed
Summer 2021

Making Telemedicine Work for Workers’ Comp

The future of telemedicine and practical tips to make it effective in workers' comp
Summer 2021

Empowering the Patient as a Mitigator of Claims Complexity

Patients hold significant influence over the outcomes of their care
Summer 2021

Ask a Pharmacist: Why Am I Seeing Voltaren Gel More Often in My Claims?

Healthe's clinical pharmacists tackle common workers' comp questions
Summer 2021

Infographic: Uncommon Ground

See how perceptions of workers' comp pros and injured workers don't always align
Summer 2021

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2020/2021

Rebuilding the Recovery Model: Balancing the Patient and the Big Picture

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
Winter 2020/2021

The Patient Experience in Perspective: Applying Empathy to the Work Comp Claims Process

Understanding patients’ pain points with comp can lead to insights that improve program outcomes
Winter 2020/2021

Side Effects: COVID-19-Related Healthcare and Pharmacy Trends Impacting Workers’ Comp

The pandemic has disrupted access to care, but the industry has implemented reactive measures
Winter 2020/2021

Returning to Work in the COVID-19 Era

Considerations for infection prevention, unique population factors, and more
Winter 2020/2021

Moving Forward: How Should Opioid Guidance Continue to Evolve?

Opioid use has decreased, prompting calls for reform, but COVID-19 complicates opioid use
Winter 2020/2021

Driving a More Personalized Claim Experience in a Digital World

Industry thought leaders share their insights
Winter 2020/2021

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2020/2021

By the Numbers

A collection of workers’ compensation facts and figures
Spring/Summer 2020

Rising to the Challenge: Meeting Adversity During Complex Times

A message from our Chief Executive Officer
Spring/Summer 2020

2020 Workers’ Comp Industry Insights Survey & Infographic

Results, insights, and various stakeholder perspectives on important industry issues
Spring/Summer 2020

Growing Pains: The Shift from Opioids to Other Pain Therapies

With opioid utilization decreasing, what concerns do other pain therapies pose?
Spring/Summer 2020

Live Better, Heal Better: Employee Wellness in Workers’ Comp

Strategies for addressing comorbidities, fatigue, and mental health to positively impact claims
Spring/Summer 2020

A New Routine: The Growth of Complex Claims and How to Manage Them

Potential causes and solutions for increasing claims complexity
Spring/Summer 2020

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Spring/Summer 2020

By the Numbers: Covid-19 Edition

A collection of facts and figures surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic
Winter 2019/2020

By the Numbers

A collection of workers’ compensation facts and figures
Winter 2019/2020

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2019/2020

Rehabilitating Your Rehab Program

How more dynamic data can illuminate program performance, empowering decisions for better outcomes
Winter 2019/2020

Better Care = Lower Costs

Ten tips that can help claims professionals keep patients safe and prevent costly complications
Winter 2019/2020

When Demand Exceeds Supply: Older Patients and Fewer Physicians in Workers' Comp

The looming physician shortage and how to meet the challenge in workers' comp
Winter 2019/2020

Questioning Costs: A Field Guide to Fee Schedules

Understanding how prices are set for medical equipment and services, and how to scrutinize those costs
Winter 2019/2020

Painting by Numbers: Workers' Comp Drug Costs in Broad Strokes

High-level trends in healthcare drug spending and utilization in workers? comp
Winter 2019/2020

The Ups and Downs of Drug Prices: Keeping Up with Cost Challenges in Workers' Comp

Rising drug prices and the impact on workers' comp costs
Winter 2019/2020

Focus on Care and the Savings Will Come

A message from the Chief Executive Officer
2019 Workers' Comp Industry Insights Survey

Top Challenges

What do you see as the biggest challenge for your workers’ comp program in 2019 and beyond?
2019 Workers' Comp Industry Insights Survey

Major Trends

What industry trend do you think will have the biggest impact on your workers’ comp program in the next year?
2019 Workers' Comp Industry Insights Survey

Program Priorities

Rank the below items in order of priority for your organization’s workers’ comp program.
2019 Workers' Comp Industry Insights Survey

Program Successes

What workers’ comp program has your organization implemented that you’re finding the most success with?
Winter 2018/2019

By the Numbers

A collection of workers’ compensation facts and figures
Winter 2018/2019

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Winter 2018/2019

Myth Busters: Medical Marijuana Edition

Our clinicians answer common questions from claims professionals
Winter 2018/2019

Perspectives: Status Woe - Outdated Regulation Impedes Healthcare Innovation

Industry thought leaders share their insights
Winter 2018/2019

Shifting Gears in Patient Transportation with Rideshare

How rideshare models like Lyft and Uber can reduce costs and improve patient experience
Winter 2018/2019

Patient Engagement Is Personal: How to Help Injured Workers Help Themselves

Strategies for increasing patient engagement in recovery and associated outcomes
Winter 2018/2019

Opioid Imbalance: Risk Disparities Among Diverse Patient Populations

Population-based opioid risks include gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity
Winter 2018/2019

The Opioids Crisis: Our Defining Moment

Special commentary on the opioid crisis from our clinical leaders
Winter 2018/2019

Hero's Welcome: Growing PTSD Coverage for First Responders

Formulary and claims management considerations for populations at risk for PTSD
Summer 2018

By the Numbers

A collection of workers’ compensation facts and figures
Summer 2018

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Summer 2018

Claims Q&A: Hyaluronic Acid Injections: What is Their Place in Work Comp Claims?

Our clinicians answer common questions from claims professionals
Summer 2018

Occupational Illness and Drug Therapy

Workplace risk factors can lead to complex diseases that require unique drug therapy
Summer 2018

Perspectives: Value in Workers’ Comp Shouldn't have to Wait

Industry thought leaders share their insights
Summer 2018

Valuable Assets: Appreciation and Care Considerations for Older Workers

Employees aged 55+ bring positive traits to the workforce and some unique care considerations
Summer 2018

Mark of the Millennial: Managed Care for a New Generation

Millennial workers bring differentiated beliefs to healthcare vs previous generations
Summer 2018

The Growing Gig Economy: Questions of Compensation

Rapid growth in short-term or temporary “gig” work raises questions about employee benefits
Summer 2018

Be Together. Not the Same.

A message from the Chief Medical Officer
Winter 2017

New Pathways in Pain Management: Novel Non-Opioid Medications

Current research explores non-opioid neuropathways for pain management
Winter 2017

6 Specialty Drug Trends Impacting Workers' Comp Right Now

Health and cost impacts of specialty drugs for chronic conditions seen in workers' comp
Winter 2017

Patient Age: More than a Number in Rx Management

Age, as well as overall health, must be considered in medication management
Winter 2017

Reality Check: New FDA Initiatives Re-Examine Opioid Policies

The FDA acknowledges the need to shift opioid policies as overdose rates continue to rise
Winter 2017

Perspectives: Use of Virtual Reality and Video Games in Physical Therapy

Industry thought leaders share their insights
Winter 2017

Claims Q&A: RX Drugs of Abuse: Which Non-Opioid Drugs Present Concern?

Our clinicians answer common questions from claims professionals
Winter 2017

Infographic: Medication Multiplication

How opioid side effects can cascade across the body
Winter 2017

State of States

State of States
Winter 2017

By the Numbers

A collection of workers' compensation facts and figures
Summer 2017

Not-So Science Fiction: Innovative Technologies in Workers' Comp

As medical technology continues to evolve, fascinating new opportunities emerge which can potentially benefit the injured worker.
Summer 2017

Future Opioids and the Injured Worker: Why “SAFER” is a Relative Term

More than ever these statistics crystalize the need to explore and develop alternative chronic pain therapies
Summer 2017

Under the Influence: Impacting Opioid Prescribing Behaviors

Analyzing opioid prescribing trends associated with different medical specialties.
Summer 2017

How Off-Label Prescribing Drives a Claim Off Course

Off-label prescribing, or the prescribing of drug therapies outside their approved use, occurs commonly with certain medications in workers’ comp
Summer 2017

Bridging the Gap Between Opioid Policy and Prescribing

State and federal governments have taken legislative action to reduce the harm caused by the opioid epidemic
Summer 2017

A Data-Driven Understanding of Physical Medicine

In the consumer marketplace, customer experience is king.
Summer 2017

Polypharmacy: How Many Drugs is Too Many?

A claims professional noted that a patient’s drug regimen included 11 medications, raising serious concerns.
Summer 2017

Myth Busters: Private-Label Topicals Edition

Private-label topical (PLT) analgesics are independently manufactured lotions and creams that are increasingly being prescribed to patients for the temporary relief of minor pain associated with injury.
Summer 2017

State of the States

A roundup of regulatory activity around the country
Summer 2017

By the Numbers

A collection of workers' compensation facts and figures
Summer 2017

Private-Label Topicals: Over-the-counter analgesics go undercover as pricey prescriptions

These costly and clinically unproven topical agents are on the rise in workers’ comp
Summer 2017

Physician Dispensing: New Challenges in an Ongoing Battle

State reforms are sparking new trends among physician-dispensed drugs
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RxInformer

Since 2010, the semi-annual RxInformer clinical journal has been a trusted source of timely information and guidance for workers’ comp payers on how best to manage the care of injured worker claimants and plan for the challenges that lay ahead. The publication is an important part of Healthesystems’ proactive approach to advocating for quality care of injured workers while managing the costs associated with treatment.
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