FECA BULLETIN NO. 18-06, of 08/08/2018 on Alternative Pain Management and non-pharmacologic treatment claims they may reduce disability, facilitate return to work, decrease opioid misuse, and improve quality of life. Pain management alternatives without opioids include Alternative Pain Medications, Pain Management Without Medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), physical therapy, and exercise therapy. Aerobic, aquatic, and/or resistance exercises for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip and for patients with low back pain reduces pain and improves function. For TENS units and other treatments the doctor must request authorization from the billing unit.
In-patient pain management treatments for opioid use include medication assisted therapy: MAT combines medication with behavioral therapy and counseling to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), sustain recovery and prevent opioid overdose. Primary medications are Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. Opioid Treatment Programs are both outpatient and inpatient.
While OWCP Claims Consulting, LLC does not generally tackle medical bills, this Bulletin and recent letters seen in several cases, suggest that additional conditions or consequential injuries may be claimed such as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome or a psychiatric condition, and that some clients may find that authorizations for alternative treatments may be slow in being granted, overlooked or denied. If these are issues in your case email use the Contact Us Page on this site or call (302) 559-7501.
Disclaimer: OWCP CLAIMS CONSULTING, L.L.C. is not a law firm.
