Sharing our perspective

Sharing perspectives leads to greater understanding and fuels innovation. The ​Optum Insights ​blog is where we share our perspective and challenge preconceptions to clear a new path forward.


  • 21 Questions to consider for home health services provided to workers’ comp and auto no-fault populations

    by
    • Dr. Robert Hall
    | May 30, 2017
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    Treatment Plans, Durable Medical Equipment, Auto No-Fault, Workers' Compensation, Home Health Care
    Home health services are an important bridge between an acute injury (or medical condition) requiring continued medical treatment and/or functional assistance and the time when the patient’s care needs can be met either independently or by family members in the home environment. The following 21 questions should be considered when home health services are provided to workers' comp and no-fault auto populations.

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  • California anticipates delay to MTUS formulary implementation, demonstrating commitment to getting it done right rather than fast

    by
    • Optum Workers' Comp
    | May 26, 2017
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    Workers' Compensation, Formularies
    In a measure of wisdom and prudence, leadership with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) confirmed to our team in a recent discussion that they anticipate a delay in the implementation of the formulary until January 1, 2018. The anticipated delay is deliberate and serves to allow time for stakeholders to program the necessary changes, as well as provides California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) leadership time to educate physicians and injured workers on how the formulary is intended to work.

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  • Montana Legislature Grants Department of Labor and Industry Authority to Adopt a Formulary

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    • Optum Workers' Comp
    | May 26, 2017
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    Workers' Compensation, Formularies
    Montana Governor Steve Bullock has signed legislation granting the Department of Labor and Industry explicit authority to adopt a drug formulary as part of its existing utilization and treatment guidelines. The legislation, SB 312, permits the Department to annually adopt either an evidence-based commercial or other evidence-based drug formulary. If a commercial formulary is adopted, only that initial adoption is subject to the full rule-making process (including public comment period); the formulary would automatically include all of the changes and updates furnished by the commercial vendor that are made during the year. The Department would also be required to provide an appropriate transition for medication treatment which began prior to adoption of the formulary, along with a timely and responsive dispute resolution process.

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  • Anoxic Brain Injury: An Underreported and Oftentimes Overlooked Consequence of Overdose

    by
    • Dr. Robert Hall
    | May 23, 2017
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    Opioids, Naloxone
    A few weeks back, a new patient of mine was accompanied into the examination room by his daughter. Although he was in his mid-50’s, he needed a significant amount of assistance due to decreased balance and unsteady walking. The reason for the referral was to evaluate the cause of his right shoulder and neck pain and hand numbness, which were ultimately found to be due to a pinched nerve. While we were discussing his symptoms, I asked if he had ever been treated for a brain injury.

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