Gabapentinoid & opioid utilization amongst Medicare beneficiaries CNCP
University of Florida researchers recently released their findings regarding gabapentinoid and opioid utilization amongst Medicare beneficiaries with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Initiating gabapentinoids and opioids simultaneously compared to initiating opioids showed no association with risk for a fall-related injury. However, the addition of gabapentinoits to an existing opioid regimen seemed to increase fall risks. The study comes after the use of gabapentinoids amongst older adults has tripled from 2002 to 2015. Concerns remain that side effects can be more than mild as both drugs can depress the central nervous system. The report concluded in July of 2021 with funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Researchers used a 5% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2011-2018.
U.S. workers are delaying routine healthcare
U.S. workers are delaying routine healthcare, according to the Hartford Insurance Group. 43% of U.S. workers pushed back routine health appointments since the onset of the pandemic. The delays come at the same time several workers are experiencing more mental/physical health issues and financial uncertainty. Hartford noted that U.S. workforce burnout is a part of these growing health issues as thirty percent of U.S. workers say they have trouble focusing and or concentrating. With most workers (63%) saying their health and wellness impact their productivity, it looks as if more needs to be done to help improve the situation. A January 2022 survey noted that fear of contracting Covid (47%) was the first reason for delaying appointments, followed by difficulty getting an appointment (29%), needing to cancel due to Covid restrictions (25%), fear of other illnesses (24%) and not a current priority at 21%.
Arizona Passes SB1403 & HB2120
Arizona legislators agreed to passage for two bills regarding workers' compensation yesterday, SB1403 & HB2120.
- SB1403 will alter notification requirements for insurance carriers and the ICA regarding an employee's written notice to file a claim. Once an employee files a written notice to file a claim due to injury the carrier or self-insured employer MUST forward the written notification within seven business days to the ICA and inform the employee of the employee's requirement to file a claim with the ICA. Once the commission receives the written notification forwarded from the carrier, then they too will notify the injured worker of their responsibility to file a claim with them. Bill language hopes to bring clarity to agency/carrier responsibilities and help navigate the complex process of workers' compensation for injured workers.
- HB2120 will clarify what constitutes a reportable injury. Medical treatment that is one-time/short-term by non-medical staff requiring little technology or training to administer such as the treatment of minor scratches, cuts, burns and other issues that ordinarily do not require medical care will not be required for reporting purposes. This change in effect can limit first-aid claims.
Medical Marijuana in Kentucky
House legislators passed HB136 recently permitting medical cannabis in the Commonwealth by a vote of 59-34. Access is limited to individuals with specific conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, or M.S. Bill language is designed so that local counties and municipalities can have the option to allow or disallow the substance. The bill passed the House in 2020; however, it did not receive a floor vote in the Senate, there is worry the same could happen again. With the legislature concluding on April 14th, chances of receiving a Senate vote diminish by the day. If the state passed medical cannabis, it would be the 38th state to allow for medicinal cannabis
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Study
MGH released a study on cannabis that shows medical cannabis use could result in the rapid onset of cannabis use disorder (CUD). Study findings show that cannabis products to treat pain, anxiety, and depression failed to improve symptoms and doubled the risk of addictive symptoms of cannabis use disorder. Those treating anxiety and depression through medical cannabis were at the most significant risk of CUD. The study believes that people with marijuana cards choosing their own products and dosing could be harmful and that more needs to be done to surrounding dispensing and dosage limits. Follow-up visits should also be used to monitor these patients to reduce CUD risk.
Opioid Restrictions Effects on Chronic Pain Patients
A Manchester-based publication highlights chronic pain patients' struggles with strict opioid restrictions. New Hampshire Medical Society V.P. & CEO James Potter says that broad opioid limits in response to the opioid epidemic have resulted in unintended consequences for certain patient populations. Since 2016 pain-management advocates have lobbied the New Hampshire Board of Medicine to modify opioid guidelines to serve the interest of New Hampshire patients with specific chronic conditions. In 2020 Governor Sununu signed a bill to allow those with chronic conditions to access the care they needed, permitting practitioners to prescribe based on their clinical knowledge and without fear of reprimand or discipline. However, physicians still fear prosecution for prescribing to chronic pain patients. New Hampshire pain-management advocates say dosage limits should accommodate to individual needs.
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