WCRI study News

Opioid Prescriptions in Workers’ Compensation Claims Decline: WCRI

A new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found “noticeable decreases” in the amount of opioids prescribed per workers’ compensation claim in a majority of 25 states studied. The WCRI study, Interstate Variations in Use of Opioids, 3rd …

Little Reduction in Long Term Opioid Use in Most States

A new study, Longer-Term Use of Opioids, 2nd Edition, from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) found that there was little reduction in the prevalence of longer-term opioid use in most states studied. In most states, the percentage of claims …

WCRI Study Examines Impact of Reducing the Illinois Fee Schedule

A new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) examines the impact of the 30 percent reduction in the Illinois medical fee schedule that was enacted in 2011. Prior to the reduction, the Illinois fee schedule was one of …

Workers’ Comp Costs Per Claim Moderating In Pennsylvania: Study

The costs per workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania are moderating, following years of steady growth in previous years, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). The report, Benchmarks for Pennsylvania, CompScope 14th Edition, said total …

Illinois Workers’ Comp Fee Schedule Changes Result in Lower Prices Paid: Study

The costs of medical care to treat injured workers in Illinois are declining, the result of regulatory change enacted in 2011, according to a new study by Cambridge-based Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). The report, Benchmarks for Illinois, CompScope 14th …

Price of Vicodin Three Times More in Maryland and Pennsylvania When Dispensed by a Physician

New studies from Cambridge-based Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) says the average price paid for physician-dispensed Vicodin, a commonly dispensed narcotic pain medication in Maryland and Pennsylvania, was three times more than the price paid for the same drug dispensed …

Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Comp Medical Payments Per Claim Slowed in 2010

Growth in payments per claim for the medical care of injured workers under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system slowed in 2010, largely as a result of slower growth in payments per claim made to nonhospital providers and utilization of their services, …

Medical Costs for Injured Workers Rising in Indiana

The costs of medical care for injured workers in Indiana have been growing rapidly at an annual rate of 8 percent, a faster growth rate than most states in a 16-state study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). The …

North Carolina Workers’ Comp Hospital Outpatient Payments Stable

Payments for hospital outpatient services to treat injured workers in North Carolina stabilized, following reforms passed to reduce outpatient hospital costs. However, ongoing growth in charges could mean resumption of growth in payments, according to a new study of medical …

Medical Costs Per Claim For Injured Workers In Virginia Higher Than Most States

The cost per claim for medical care for injured workers in Virginia was higher than in most states and growing faster, according to a new study, Benchmarks for Virginia, CompScope 13th Edition, by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). “The …