Chronic Pain Case Management: Improving Outcomes in Post-Acute Cases

Posted by Paradigm on December 5, 2011 under Chronic Pain Case Management, Pain | Be the First to Comment

Despite new drugs and advanced medical procedures introduced to the market, the number of patients being treated for chronic pain continues to rise. Without effective chronic pain case management, more injured workers will become addicted to narcotics and present with other long-term health risks, and spending on unresolved claims will continue.  According to a 2010 news release from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, admission rates for abuse of opiates other than heroin—including prescription painkillers—rose by 345 percent from 1998‐2008.

Paradigm designed a unique approach to pain management to provide patients with the best outcomes possible.  To determine the effectiveness of our methods, we enlisted the services of Robert Briscoe, a claim consultant with Milliman, Inc., to conduct an independent study.

Using a random sample of pain cases managed by Paradigm, Briscoe’s study determined there is a substantial reduction from pre- to post-medical and indemnity cost projections due to Paradigm’s evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach.  The findings show that Paradigm reduced lifetime cost projections by 40.9%, which can be attributed to a number of elements, including physician services and interventional procedures; pharmaceutical expenses, especially opioid and other prescribed pain medications; and the implantation of pain pumps, spinal cord stimulators, and other surgical interventions.

Milliman is among the world’s largest independent actuarial and consulting firms and provides independent consulting services and products on a fee-for-service basis. Milliman does not act as an agent, broker, reinsurance intermediary, third-party administrator, or adjuster; nor do they accept any form of contingency or brokerage compensation, which allows them to provide completely independent and objective analysis and opinions.

Based on the findings of this Milliman study, we will continue to use our Systematic Care Management^SM approach to help injured workers and our clients achieve the best chronic pain outcomes.  Visit our website for a white paper titled “Better Results for Patients with Post-Acute Chronic Pain” with additional detail on this study and our proven outcomes.  You may request the complete study by writing to Robert Briscoe at Milliman Inc., RR3 3117 Park Lane, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301, or e-mailing bob.briscoe@milliman.com.

If you would like to refer a case to Paradigm Management Services, feel free to contact us at 800-942-1725 or join our social communities.