Controlling workers' compensation costs for prescribed medication.

The rise in prescription drug costs in workers' compensation cases has become alarming. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), the prescription drug share of total medical costs by accident year increased from 6.5% in 1997 to 9.6% in 2001. Today, 10 cents of every dollar spent on medical care for workers' comp is spent on prescription drugs. Why the increase? The reasons vary; however, whatever the reason, it is critical to determine whether a prescribed drug is treating a work-related injury or another ailment unrelated to the injury. Knowing what questions to ask and where to go for additional information can help keep prescription medication costs under control.