by Vince A. Toreno, Esq.

A recent study by Helios suggests that urine drug testing may reduce the use of certain high risk medications, including opioids, and help decrease medication costs for injured workers. According to a recent article in PRWebb, workers’ compensation medication cost decreased when prescribers were provided with information concerning their patients’ unexpected drug test results. This study found over two-thirds of the participants had inconsistent drug tests, meaning the prescribed medications were not found in the urine; non-prescribed medications were detected; and/or elicit substances were found.

Providing this information to those prescribing the medications resulted in decreased use and, consequently, lower costs associated with the medications. Significantly, use of opioids was shown to be decreased by over 34%, Benzodiazepines by over 44%, and all other controlled substances reduced by over 35%. A pharmacist for Helios pointed out that this also reduced the therapeutic risks associated with chronic pain treatment for injured workers.

The costs associated with urine drug testing may be far outweighed by the cost savings and health benefits associated with reduced medication use. Employers and insurers should consider whether to include consistent drug testing as part of their routine claims handling procedures.