LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Changes in how doctors are paid for treating some injured employees covered by workers' compensation are expected to address the long-term use of pain relievers and help cut medical costs for Michigan job providers.
The Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency says the new rules prevent reimbursements for opioid treatment beyond 90 days for non-cancer related chronic pain unless physicians meet detailed reporting requirements.
Pain relievers covered under the rules include morphine, codeine and methadone. The changes to the Workers' Compensation Health Care Services rules and fee schedule took effect Friday.
Workers' Compensation Agency Director Kevin Elsenheimer says the new regulations are part of the agency's continued effort to contain costs for job providers, stabilize the system and keep the promise of compensation for injured Michigan employees.
