Adjusters’ Choice Independent Medical Evaluations

Adjusters’ Choice
Independent Medical Evaluations
October 16, 2009
Ms. Barbara Newman
Farm Bureau Insurance
C/o Adjusters’ Choice
5100 Greenwood Circle
Minneapolis, MN 55331
RE:
Employer:
Date of Injury:
Claim#:
Joyce Kaye
Sister of Grace Long Term Care
07/19/09
726358
Dear Ms. Newman;
I recently had the pleasure of conducting a pharmacist drug review of Ms. Joyce Kaye on
October 16, 2009. This review was conducted on behalf of your client, Sister of Grace
Long Term Care, and a workers compensation injury sustained by their employee Ms.
Kaye on February January 19, 2009.
This retrospective Pharmacist Drug Review (PDRx) has been prepared solely for the
benefit of Farm Bureau Insurance and in conjunction with the examination of the
following records:
•
Corvel Corp. QRC Progress Reports (12 pages: 8/9/09-9/9/09, 7/8/09-8/5/09,
6/11/09-7/7/09, 4/25/09-5/9/09)
•
Lac Qui Parle Clinic of Madison Physician’s Progress notes (29 pages: 1/14/098/29/09)
•
Prescription Tax insurance Summary, Liebe Drug, MN (6/30/09-8/4/09)
•
Working Rx Prescription Invoices (35 pages: 1/27/09 – 7/14/09)
•
Physician Communications (Dr. Larry Lockwood, 7/1/09; Dr. Larry Lockwood,
5/20/09, Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes 3/13/09)
•
Radiology Reports (CDI Waite Park, 5/22/09, 3/13/09, 2/28/09, 2/10/09; St.
Cloud Hospital, 4/17/09; Brown Clinic 3/27/09; West Central Radiological
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 2 of 11
Associates, 3/20/09, 3/3/09, 1/21/09; Chippewa County –Montevideo Hospital
3/3/09)
•
Madison Hospital Physical Therapy Evaluation/Progress Notes (1/15/09-8/20/09)
In issuing this report, we have based our analysis on the facts in the records
provided and professional reference sources identified in Appendix A. We have
not undertaken an independent investigation of such facts. Any changes in the
facts may vary the analysis contained in this report.
The opinions expressed herein are as the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to
update or supplement such opinions to reflect any new facts or circumstances.
The information contained in this report is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to take the place of a physician’s Independent Medical Evaluation or to deny
medical care to the claimant. ADPR does not in ay way purport to impair, limit, dictate,
or direct a physician’s professional judgment in the care and treatment of the claimant
through this report. Any changes in the claimant’s medication regiment are to be made
strictly at the discretion and professional judgment of the prescribing physician.
This report contains healthcare information that is privileged, confidential, and
proprietary in nature, and as such, is exempt from disclosure under applicable federal and
state laws and regulations.
Claimant Name: Joyce G. Kaye
Gender (M/F): F
Height: 5’5”
Claim # 726358
Date of Birth: 07/16/1971
Pregnant? (Y/N): N
Weight: 326 lbs
State/Jurisdiction of Claim: MN
Work Comp Injury Diagnosis: Right lumbar strain secondary to repositioning patients
Date of Injury: 1/19/09
Other (non-workers’ comp related) Conditions:
1. Back injuries secondary to MVA
2. DVT, RLE
3. S/P right herniorrhaphy
4. Hx of hypertension
5. Hx of GERD
6. Hx of overactive bladder
7. Hx of depression
Date Diagnosed:
3/3/09
6/26/09
6/5/09
not provided
not provided
not provided
not provided
Drug Allergies/Adverse Reactions:
1. Demerol
Reaction:
not provided
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 3 of 11
Prescription History:
Drug: Oxycodone/APAP and generics there of
Date/
Strength
Date
Quantity
5/325mg
8/4/09
50
5/325mg
7/25/09
15
5/325mg
7/18/09
60
5/325mg
7/10/09
60
5/325mg
7/3/09
60
5/325mg
5/13/09
50
5/325mg
5/6/09
50
5/325mg
4/29/09
50
5/325mg
3/27/09
30
5/325mg
3/17/09
50
5/325mg
3/12/09
50
Days
Supply
6
3
6
7
6
5
5
5
4
6
6
Prescriber
Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Cost
24.95
13.25
26.48
36.33
26.49
31.14
31.14
31.14
31.14
31.14
31.14
Drug: Coumadin
Strength
1 mg
5 mg
1mg
5mg
1mg
Date
7/25/09
7/25/09
7/10/09
7/10/05
6/30/05
Quantity
30
30
60
15
30
D/S
20
30
30
15
20
Prescriber
Lockwood
Lockwood
Martin
Martin
Lockwood
Cost
29.74
33.37
50.85
17.98
29.74
Drug: Duragesic
Strength
25 mcg
100 mcg
50mcg
100mcg
50mcg
100mcg
50 mcg
Date
7/25/09
4/11/05
4/11/05
3/27/05
3/27/09
3/12/09
3/12/09
Quantity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
D/S
15
10
10
5
10
10
10
Prescriber
Martin
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Cost
84.56
259.97
130.45
259.97
130.45
259.97
130.45
Drug: Ditropan XL
Strength
10mg
10mg
10mg
10mg
Date
7/22/09
5/12/05
4/12/09
3/12/09
Quantity
30
30
30
30
D/S
30
30
30
30
Prescriber
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Cost
95.89
97.81
97.81
97.81
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 4 of 11
Drug: Prevacid
Strength
30mg
30mg
30mg
30mg
30mg
Date
7/3/09
7/2/09
5/12/09
4/10/09
2/18/09
Quantity
30
30
30
30
30
D/S
30
30
30
30
30
Prescriber
Martin
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Cost
147.73
50.14
145.91
145.91
145.91
Drug: Bextra
Strength
20mg
20mg
20mg
20mg
Date
7/2/09
5/12/09
4/10/09
3/12/09
Quantity
30
30
30
30
D/S
30
30
30
30
Prescriber
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Cost
97.87
97.87
97.87
97.87
Drug: Senokot /Senna S (contains docusate sodium 100mg)
Strength
Date
Quantity
D/S
8.65
7/3/09
120
30
100/8.65
7/2/09
100
25
100/8.65
4/10/09
100
25
Prescriber
Martin
Martin
Martin
Cost
33.75
16.31
16.31
Drug: Hydrocodone/APAP
Strength
Date
5/500
4/11/09
5/500
2/21/09
5/500
2/18/09
5/500
2/12/09
5/500
2/7/09
Quantity
50
100
30
30
30
D/S
12
4
4
2
2
Prescriber
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Cost
26.38
47.29
17.85
17.90
17.90
Drug: Prednisone
Strength
5 mg
5 mg
10mg
5 mg
Date
5/6/09
3/12/09
2/12/09
1/21/09
Quantity
30
81
65
45
D/S
8
17
18
12
Prescriber
Lockwood
Lockwood
Lockwood
Deyo, M
Cost
5.96
7.31
10.70
6.36
Drug: Cyclobenzaprine
Strength
Date
10 mg
2/12/09
10mg
1/14/09
Quantity
30
30
D/S
10
10
Prescriber
Deyo, M
Deyo, M
Cost
31.67
31.67
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 5 of 11
Other Drugs
Prochlorperazine
Strength
10mg
Date
7/14/09
Quantity
10
D/S
4
Prescriber
Davis
Cost
15.17
5/28/09
30
30
Lockwood
80.57
AmoxTR-K Clav
875/125
4/24/09
20
10
Lockwood
107.56
Levaquin
500mg
3/12/09
5
5
Lockwood
56.23
Celebrex
200 mg
1/14/09
60
30
Davis
Avinza
30mg
180.27
CLINICAL ASSESSMENT
1. Are there medications in the claimant’s current drug regiment that may not be
related to his or her workers’ compensation injury?
Yes.
Drug therapy problem #1:
The use of Ditropan XL (oxybutynin) does not appear to be related to this claimant’s
occupational injury of lumbar strain or to the associated therapy. Ditropan XL is used
to treat urinary incontinence. The progress notes indicate that this claimant has a
history of overactive bladder and has been taking this medication to treat this
condition.
Recommendation:
Discontinue coverage of this medication unless the prescribing physician can
provide justification for its use relative to this injury.
Desired clinical outcome:
To assure that coverage is provided for appropriate, cost-effective drug therapy
for only those conditions relating to the occupational injury.
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 6 of 11
Drug therapy problem #2:
The use of Prevacid does not appear to be related to this claimant’s occupational
injury of lumbar strain or to the associated therapy. Prevacid is used to treat a variety
of gastrointestinal problems including peptic ulcer, gastritis, and gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD). The progress notes indicate that this patient has a history of
GERD for which she has been prescribed this medication. Furthermore, the treatment
of uncomplicated GERD, Prevacid therapy is recommended for up to 8 weeks (1),
and prescriptions for this drug have been billed since at least 2/18/09. For this reason,
the use of Prevacid should be re-evaluated.
Recommendation:
Discontinue coverage of this medication unless the prescribing physician can
provide justification of its use relative to the injury. If (contrary to the diagnosis
for GERD mentioned in the progress notes) Prevacid is actually being used to
protect the stomach from the other medications used to treat the claimant’s work
related injury, there are more cost effective and equally efficacious medications
that could be used for that purpose, including antacids, ranitidine, and famotidine.
Desired clinical outcome:
To assure that coverage is provided for appropriate, cost-effective drug therapy
for only those conditions relating to the occupational injury.
2. Are there any unmet opportunities for generic substitution in the claimant’s
drug regimen?
No
3. Have any potentially significant drug-drug interactions been identified in this
claimant’s therapy?
Yes
Drug therapy problem #3:
Potential drug-drug interaction between Bextra (valdecoxib) and Coumadin
(warfarin). Severity-High. Bextra (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID)
may potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Various NSAIDS may exhibit
pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interactions with warfarin, primarily by
affecting protein binding of warfarin. In addition, NSAIDS may be problematic if
administered to a patient receiving warfarin due to their effects on platelet
aggregation and potential for causing gastritis. NSAIDS should be used cautiously in
patients receiving warfarin.
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 7 of 11
Recommendation:
Re-evaluate continuing need for Bextra. Also, continued close monitoring of
PT/INR (a measurement of clotting times) during combined therapy is called for.
Desired clinical outcome:
To provide appropriate, cost-effective therapy for the patient’s pain management
while avoiding potentially serious interactions with other drugs in the regimen.
4. Do any duplications of therapy exist in this claimant’s medication regimen?
No.
5. Do the current narcotic doses in this claimant’s regimen appear to be
appropriate?
No.
Drug therapy problem #4:
Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal patch) dosing frequency is not in accordance with
manufacturer’s FDA-approved dosing guidelines. Duragesic is indicated in the
management of chronic pain in patients who require continuous opioid analgesia for
pain that cannot be manages with lesser means such as acetaminophen/opioid
combinations, non-steroidal analgesics, or PRN dosing with short acting opioid. The
majority of patients are adequately maintained with Duragesic administered every 72
hours (3). On several occasions, Duragesic was dispensed in quantities of 5 for a 10
days supply, and once as a 5 day supply. This would suggest that the medication was
prescribed to be used every 48 hours, or every 24 hours, rather than the every 72
hours as recommended by the manufacturer. It should be pointed out that the most
recent Duragesic prescription record provided indicates that a quantity of 5 was
appropriately dispensed for a 15 day supply, so this may not be an ongoing issue.
Recommendation:
Monitor quantity and days’ supply of new prescriptions for Duragesic. If
necessary consult with physician regarding dosing guidelines.
Desired clinical outcome:
To assure that the claimant’s analgesic drug therapy is dosed appropriately and
cost-effectively while adequately maintaining satisfactory control of claimant’s
pain.
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 8 of 11
Drug therapy problem #5:
Vicodin (Hydrocodone/APAP 5/500) dosing in excess of approved guidelines. The
pharmacy billing records provided show that on more than one occasion, this
medication was dispensed such that the claimant could be taking as many as 15
tablets, and on one occasion, 25 tablets, per day. This would equate to 7.5 to 12.5
grams of acetaminophen per day, far in excess of the recommended maximum of 4
grams per day, or in this case 8 tablets per day (4).
Recommendation:
Monitor quantity and days’ supply for new prescriptions of Vicodin. If necessary,
consult with physician regarding dosing guidelines.
Desired clinical outcome:
To provide appropriate, effective pain relief while avoiding potentially serious
side effects that could result from excess dosing of Vicodin.
6. Does the current dosing of non-narcotic drugs appear to be appropriate?
Yes.
7. Is the claimant demonstrating appropriate pharmacy utilization?
No.
Drug therapy problem #6:
Claimant has had prescriptions filled for two similar medications at two different
pharmacies within a 24 hour period. The prescription records provided show that
Prevacid in the same strength, quantity, and days’ supply was dispensed on 2
subsequent days (7/2/09 and 7/3/09) at two different pharmacies. Also, Senna and
Senna S, both laxatives, one with a stool softener, were dispensed on the same two
dates at the same two pharmacies.
Recommendation:
Closely monitor pharmacy utilization.
Desired clinical outcome:
To avoid double charges for the same medications as well as to prevent
duplications of therapy and the potential for medications to be taken
inappropriately.
8. Is the claimant demonstrating appropriate physician utilization?
Yes.
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 9 of 11
9. Are there any other drug therapy problems that need to be addressed?
Yes.
Drug therapy problem #7:
Concurrent use of Bextra (valdecoxib) and Prevacid (lansoprazole). Prevacid is used
for the treatment of peptic ulcer, GERD, and is often used to prevent NSAID induced
gastritis. There is no clear rationale for its use with Bextra, a COX-2 inhibitor
NSAID, which has a low incidence of causing gastrointestinal irritation.
Recommendation:
Re-evaluate need for both these medications (see also Drug Therapy Problems #2
and #3 under questions 1 and 3),
Desired clinical outcome:
To provide rational, appropriate, and cost-effective therapy for this claimant.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Drug Therapy Problem #1: Discontinue coverage for Ditropan XL unless the
prescribing physician can provide justification for its use relative to the injury.
Current Therapy
NDC#
Drug Name
17314-8507-07 Ditropan XL 10mg
Qty
30
Rx Cost
$ 95.89
Recommended Alternative 1
NDC #
Drug name
17314-8507-07 Ditropan XL 10mg
Qty
0
New Rx Cost
$ 0.00
-------$ 0.00
Savings/Month
$ 95.89
---------$ 95.89
Drug Problem #2: Discontinue coverage of Prevacid unless the prescribing
physician can provide justification for its use relative to the injury.
Current Therapy
NDC#
Drug Name
00900-3106-13 Prevacid 30mg
Qty
30
Rx Cost
150.14
Recommended Alternative 1
NDC #
Drug name
00900-3106-13 Prevacid 30mg
Qty
0
New Rx Cost
$ 0.00
-------$ 0.00
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
Savings/Month
$ 150.14
---------$ 150.14
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 10 of 11
Drug Therapy Problem #6: Monitor closes to prevent duplicate filling of like meds.
Discontinue coverage for duplicate scripts for similar meds. Providing the Claimant
with a retail pharmacy card will help to eliminate duplicate fills.
Current Therapy
NDC#
00094-1200-80
00782-1113-07
00900-3106-13
00900-3106-13
Drug Name
Senokot
Senna S
Prevacid
Prevacid
Recommended Alternative 1
NDC #
Drug name
00094-1200-80 Senokot
00782-1113-07 Senna S
00900-3106-13 Prevacid
00900-3106-13 Prevacid
Qty
120
100
30
30
Rx Cost
$ 33.75
16.31
150.14
147.73
--------$ 347.93
Qty
120
100
30
30
New Rx Cost
$ 0.00
16.31
0.00
150.14
--------$164.10
Savings/Month
$ 33.75
0.00
150.14
0.00
----------$ 183.89
Drug Therapy Problem #7: Either discontinue coverage of Prevacid due to its use
unrelated to the injury or use Prilosec OTC 20mg in conjunction with Ibuprofen.
Current Therapy
NDC#
Drug Name
00900-3106-13 Prevacid 30mg
00085-1980-31 Bextra 20mg
Qty
30
30
Rx Cost
$ 150.14
97.87
--------$ 248.07
Recommended Alternative #1
NDC #
Drug name
00900-3106-13 Prevacid 30mg
00085-1980-31 Bextra 20mg
Qty
30
30
New Rx Cost
$ 0.00
97.87
---------$ 97.87
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]
Savings/Month
$ 150.14
0.00
--------$ 150.14
October 16, 2009
Ms. Joyce Kaye
Page 11 of 11
Recommended Alternative #2
NDC #
Drug name
00900-3106-13 Prevacid 30mg
00085-1980-31 Bextra 20mg
37000-1055-10 Prilosec OTC
00781-1349-07 Ibuprofen 200mg
Qty
30
30
60
180
New Rx Cost
$ 0.00
0.00
20.40
12.60
--------$ 33.00
Savings/Month
$ 150.14
97.87
-20.40
-12.60
---------$ 215.07
Appendix A
References:
1. Accessed on 10/8/09 from Clinical Pharmacology, Gold Standard Multimedia
Inc., Prevacid Drug Information Monographs URL http://cp.gsm.com
2. Accessed on 10/8/09 from Clinical Pharmacology, Gold Standard Multimedia
Inc. Drug Interactions Report, URL: http://cpgsm.com
3. Excerpt, Product information: Duragesic, fentanyl transdermal system, Jannsen
Pharmaceutical Products, LP Titusville NJ 08560
4. Accessed on 10/8/09 from Micromedex Healthcare Series, Thomson Micromedex
Inc., Acetaminophen Drug Summary Information URL http://micromedex.com
Ronald Martin, RPh. FASCP
IMEs • File Reviews • Pharmacy Reviews
5100 Greenwood Circle • Minneapolis, MN 55331-0891
952.474.6676 • Fax: 952.470.6686 • [email protected]