Spinal Fusion Claims in California Workers’ Compensation (Report to the Industry, published 03/17) [PDF]

A CWCI analysis that measures the utilization of spinal fusion surgeries in California workers’ compensation for AY 2000 – 2014 claims.  The report, based on data from 18,266 spinal fusion claims, provides detailed data on spinal fusion claims, including claim characteristics (cause and nature of injury, part of the spine that was fused, and number of segments involved); patient demographics; the presence of comorbidities; average indemnity and medical payments; the timing of the initial fusion and the presence and timing of subsequent fusions; IMR outcomes for spinal fusion requests; utilization trends for MRIs and pre- and post-surgery physical therapy; and the level of pre-and post-surgical opioid use. (Report to the Industry, 3/17)