New MTUS Formulary Rules Pose Challenges for Medication Prescribers

Some predict 2018 changes to California workers compensation MTUS Medication Formulary could lead to complications and the disruption of treatment for injured workers unless physicians are proactive. IPM Medical Group is ready for MTUS with medication transition, prescription medication monitoring, detox and functional restoration programs.

Walnut Creek, United States – January 19, 2018 /PressCable/ —

California, January 5 2018 – The California Department of Workers’ Compensation’s (DWC) modified the MTUS-Formulary rules in an effort to reduce the use of high-risk prescription drugs such as opioids.

The new rules, effective January 1, 2018, classify prescription medications as “exempt” or “non-exempt.” These rules require prescribers to obtain utilization review authorization for non-exempt drugs. Providers will not need a prospective utilization review to prescribe exempt drugs. Physicians will be given a four-month window to either transition patients off previously prescribed “non-exempt” medications or justify the continued use of these medications.

Providers must submit a progress report and Request for Authorization for each injured worker whose treatments began prior to January 1, 2018 and continue into 2018. These documents are required by April 1, 2018 and must address a safe method for weaning or tapering a patient off non-exempt medication. If the physician prefers the injured worker remain on non-exempt medication, the provider must produce supportive documentation to establish a medical necessity of the non-exempt medication.

Some predict such changes to the Formulary and the time physicians are given to transition patients will undoubtedly lead to complications and the disruption of treatment for many injured workers.

A possible solution for some patients is a physician referral to a pain management medication modification program such as IPM, which offers medication transition, prescription medication monitoring, detox, and functional restoration programs.

“We have helped injured workers and their referring doctors with pain management by also providing specialty services like medication transition, prescription medication monitoring, detox, and functional restoration programs for decades. With the new MTUS requirements effective January 1st, 2018, we encourage providers and stakeholders to identify and refer patients who could benefit from our proven outcomes” said Jacob Rosenberg, MD, Medical Director of IPM.

Physicians and their staff can visit the California MTUS to learn more about the Formulary and how this change in rules may affect their practice.

Contact Info:
Name: David Bennett
Email: dbennett@ipmdoctors.com
Organization: Integrated Pain Management Medical Group, Inc.
Address: 450 North Wiget Lane , Walnut Creek, Ca 94598, United States
Phone: +1-714-975-7950

For more information, please visit https://www.ipmdoctors.com/

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 289657