December 19, 2007

KANSAS ADOPTS OFFICIAL DISABILITY GUIDELINES (ODG)

Topeka, KN – The Kansas workers’ comp regulatory agency, the Department of Labor, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), has adopted Work Loss Data Institute’s Official Disability Guidelines – Treatment in Workers' Comp (ODG) as the standard of reference for evidence-based medicine used in caring for injured workers.

Before announcing the adoption, DWC conducted an extensive and independent evaluation of medical treatment guidelines commonly used in workers’ comp including both ODG and the ACOEM Guidelines.  Public hearings were also held on the subject, and ultimately the decision was made to name a single guideline – ODG.  As indicated in the new Schedule of Medical Fees, effective January 1^st, 2008, “The Official Disability Guidelines-Treatment in Workers Compensation (ODG), published by Work Loss Data Institute (WLDI), is to be recognized as the primary standard of reference, at the time of treatment, in determining the frequency and extent of services presumed to be medically necessary and appropriate for compensable injuries under the Kansas Workers Compensation Act, or in resolving such matters in the event a dispute arises.”

Adopting ODG will enable the Kansas Department of Labor, Division of Workers’ Compensation, to ensure the latest available medical evidence is used judiciously in making treatment decisions to improve outcomes for workers injured on the job in Kansas. In addition, workers’ comp expenditures will remain focused on the goal of recovery and the best utilization of the available medical services.  To encourage its widespread use, Work Loss Data Institute is offering a substantial discount on ODG Treatment in Workers’ Comp for all healthcare providers operating in the state’s work comp system.  Due to the importance of ongoing updates, online use is encouraged, with a discount of 50% to online subscribers.  The annual three-volume textbook set is also available to Kansans for 25% off the regular price.  To receive the discount, Kansans need only use a Kansas billing/shipping address when placing and fulfilling order.

Kansas is the latest of many US States and Canadian Provinces to adopt ODG, as the movement towards evidence-based medicine in workers’ comp continues to gain momentum.  Most unique about the ODG approach is that links are provided from each recommendation to the supporting medical evidence, provided in abstract form, so it can be consulted directly.  In addition, ODG conducts a rigorous and ongoing update process.  Finally, ODG is comprehensive and multidisciplinary in scope, covering conditions both acute and chronic, including virtually every therapy commonly used in workers’ comp, and representative of all medical specialties active in the system.

Asked about the decision to adopt ODG in Kansas, Phil Denniston, president of Work Loss Data Institute, replied, “We couldn’t be more pleased.  The move should benefit all stakeholders throughout the system, including healthcare providers, employers, workers’ comp insurers, and particularly injured workers in Kansas, as the primary objective of ODG is improved patient outcomes through the restoration of function.”