A Comparison of Lost Work Days:
A new study, published in the Spine Journal (November 2005) sought to measure the lost work days in patients with cervical disk herniation, due to a car accident. The study compared the lost work days of patients who were covered by Worker's Compensation insurance, with those who had their own personal insurance only.The Difference Between the Two Groups:
Patients who are covered by worker's compensation insurance were guaranteed medical cost coverage during the course of their treatment. Those with personal insurance only, risked not being compensated at all. Those patients with personal insurance who were compensated for their medical costs received the payments only after their cases settled. Generally, settlement in MVA (car accidents) occur well after the offending incident.Study Parameters:
This 5 year study looked at 531 patients with neck pain who saw one spine specialist only for the entire course of treatment. Initally, the patients were given non-invasive treatment. If they responded poorly to that, the next step was to give them injection therapy. Finally, if the other two treatment types failed to bring relief, patients underwent surgery.Type of Data Collected:
The researchers collected information on the mechanism of injury, insurance type and patients' response to treatment. Additionally, the number of lost work days was assessed both 3 months and 2 years later.Type of Insurance Coverage for Patients Diagnosed with Cervical Disk Herniation:
Of the 531 patients participating in the study, about half of them were diagnosed with cervical disk herniation. Diagnosis was made by means of MRI. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed with disk herniation were covered by Worker's Compensation, while the remaining 80% had personal insurance.Lost Work Days Comparison: Worker's Comp and Personal Insurance Coverage:
Number of lost work days were assessed for both groups at 3 month and 2 year follow up points. Researchers discovered that those covered by Worker's Comp missed on average approximately 37 days per person at the 3 month point, and approximately 132 days per person at 2 years. Those covered by their own personal insurance missed an average of approximately 5 days at the 3 month follow up, and approximately 29 days after 2 years.Conclusions Reached by the Study:
The researchers concluded that those covered by Worker's Compensation missed a significant number of days work associated with their accident, as compared with those covered by personal insurance. They suggest that the reason for the disparity may lie in the fact that Worker's Comp has a "guaranteed method of compensation". 1 The study's authors also conclude that more analysis will add validity to their findings.Bibliography:
1 Symptomatic cervical disc herniation following a motor vehicle collision: return to work comparative study of workers' compensation versus personal injury insurance status. The Week in Chiropractic - News & Research. Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research December 13, 2005 Vol. 12, No. 10
Date Created: December 14, 2005
