January 3, 2013 

New Mexico Adopts Official Disability Guidelines (ODG)

Albuquerque, NM – The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration announced on December 17, 2012 that it has adopted Work Loss Data Institute’s Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) effective July 1, 2013. According to the adoption all medical services rendered pursuant to recommended treatment contained in the most recent edition of Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) is presumed reasonable and necessary.

 The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation had proposed rules adopting both ODG and ACOEM and allowed for a public comment period before making the rules official. Comments received raised concern about potential confusion with the adoption of two guidelines and the WCA selected ODG as the sole guideline. This selection followed the trend of New Mexico’s neighboring state, Texas, where workers’ comp outcomes have improved dramatically since their 2007 ODG adoption.

 Adopting the current edition of ODG will enable New Mexico to ensure the latest available medical evidence is used to allow for prior authorization of treatments as recommended in the guidelines. This will effectively cut down on treatment delays, reduce unnecessary UR costs, improve return to work timeframes, and overall outcomes in general. To encourage its widespread use, Work Loss Data Institute is offering a substantial discount for subscribers operating in the state. Due to the importance of ongoing updates, online use is encouraged with a discount of 50% off, while the textbook set is available to residents for 25% off. To receive the discount, orders need only be placed using a New Mexico address.

 Work Loss Data Institute is an independent database development company focused on workplace health and productivity based in Encinitas, California.  The Official Disability Guidelines product line provides evidence-based medical treatment and disability duration guidelines to improve as well as benchmark outcomes in workers’ comp and non-occupational disability. ODG is available in Web-based, Mobile, textbook and Systems Integration formats, used in all 50 states and worldwide. For more information, visit www.worklossdata.com or contact Work Loss Data Institute at 800-488-5548.