CWCI Says Opioid Use, Costs at Plateau

By Greg JonesWestern Bureau ChiefBeginning in 2008 and continuing through the first half of 2013, Schedule II and Schedule III opioids accounted for about one-quarter of workers’ compensation prescriptions in California and 30% of prescription costs, according to a report by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute released this week.While the report showed that the prevalence and costs of the most heavily-regulated classes of opioid painkillers has leveled off, this was not necessarily good news.“Surprised? Yes, I am surprised,” CWCI President Alex Swedlow said W...