DWC 2026 Audit Plan to Focus on Topical Drug Prescriptions

The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation approved a 2026 Medical Quality Review Annual Audit Plan that will focus on the prescriptions for topical analgesics. In December, the division solicited feedback on whether to focus on evaluating utilization review agent peer review reports for compliance with the Official Disability Guidelines, accepted standards of care and appropriate reviewer selection, or the medical necessity and appropriateness of topical analgesic prescriptions. The division on Thursday said it selected the topical analgesic audit based on stakeholder feedback. The a...