SAN FRANCISCO, CA — State Compensation Insurance Fund has launched the second part of a free online CME training program for its medical provider network, “The Use of Opioids in Chronic Pain Management”.
The training offers guidance and practical tips on opioid prescribing for pain due to workplace injuries. Collaborating with Quality HealthCare Concepts, State Fund has produced the online education modules. State Fund is the only workers’ compensation insurer who has developed this type of training to guide physicians on pain management and effective opioid prescribing methods.
“Feedback from the first module was very positive,” said Dr. Dinesh Govindarao, State Fund’s Chief Medical Officer, who oversaw development of the training program. “Providers have reported that they are looking to change how they approach pain management, considering alternatives to opioids, and developing pain management agreements with their patients.”
The first training program, “Acute Pain Management: Putting Use of Opioids in Proper Perspective,” was released in January 2015. Based on feedback from the providers who have reviewed the first module:
Reducing opioid use is important to help control workers’ compensation costs. Thirty percent of State Fund prescription costs are for opioids, which is similar to industry statistics. Overuse of pain medication also delays an injured employee’s return to work or productivity.
“State Fund should be commended for taking the lead in this important area by providing physician training regarding opioid prescribing practices,” said Roman Kownacki, M.D., MPH. FACOEM, Medical Director, Occupational Health – Northern California, Kaiser Permanente. “This training is valuable to all physicians, especially as we work together to improve outcomes for injured workers.”
State Fund medical providers must complete both modules by April 30, 2015 in order to receive free Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit. Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses will receive CME credit through the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.
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Established in 1914 by the state legislature State Fund has operated for 100 years, is California’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance, and a vital asset to California businesses. State Fund supports California’s entrepreneurial spirit and plays a stabilizing role in the economy by providing fairly priced workers’ compensation insurance making California workplaces safe, and restoring injured workers.
