Resources
Topicals Toolbox
Over the years, we've published a wealth of resources highlighting the evolution of topical medications, related issues, and practical solutions. Our Topicals Toolbox makes it easy to find and use them.
Optum has been working for years to help our clients deal with aggressive overprescribing and physician dispensing of expensive topical medications, specifically private label topicals.
And along the way, we’ve created a lot of education — from explanations of adopted state policy to advocacy information and clinical devices. These resources have helped educate our clients on public policies that can help reduce misused topical medication utilization and control costs.
Our Topicals Toolbox puts this information at your fingertips. And better information leads to better decision-making and action. We’re excited to share these “tools” with you.
Save a copy of the
Topicals Toolbox
For current policy and regulatory updates, including our Legislative and Regulatory Tracker, please visit the Policy Matters page.
Solutions
Compounded and pre-manufactured topical medications
Why it matters |
This historical white paper, prepared for the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, explains differences between compounded medications and topical medications (including private label topicals). With both utilization and cost of these medications on the rise, Optum also provides recommendations to the state of Florida for addressing these trends. |
Don’t miss! |
Page 3, which shows the top 5 dermatological pre-manufactured topical medications in the Florida workers’ compensation system, by utilization and cost. |
Topical medications | Lower cost alternatives
Why it matters |
This presentation outlines potential concerns with topical medications, especially private label topical medications, and provides lower cost alternatives to these expensive medications. |
Don’t miss! |
Slide 11, which provides inexpensive alternatives to Terocin™ Lotion, Terocin™ Patch, and NuLido™ Gel. |
Data trends
Topical medications in workers’ compensation
Why it matters |
This presentation, from the “Features of the Medical Payment System” session of the 2023 Roger L. Williams National Regulators College, shows the upward trend of dermatologic topical use from 2018 to 2021. It includes state-by-state utilization and payment share trends and explains how certain states have responded. |
Don’t miss! |
Slide 4, which shows a rise in cost share of prescription payments for dermatological agents in 28 states from 2018 to 2021. |
Physician dispensing in workers’ compensation and private-label topical medications
Why it matters |
This white paper explains how both physician dispensing and private-label topical medications are affecting utilization and cost in the state of Florida, and how Florida is moving forward with balanced reforms. |
Don’t miss! |
Page 3, which shows impact of the State’s reforms on the prevalence of physician-dispensed prescriptions over a 2-year time period. |
Podcasts
Why it matters |
This podcast provides methods for monitoring topical medication treatments for injured person(s) to ensure appropriateness and mitigate unnecessary costs. |
Don’t miss! |
At 3:46, Chief Clinical Officer, Tron Emptage, RPh, explains the reason for the recent concerns about topical meds in workers’ compensation. At 5:04, Tron explains what you can do to tackle topical medication use. |
Policy Guys Podcast - Episode 21: Policy roundabout
Why it matters |
This podcast explains what to watch out for regarding topical treatments and provides ways to monitor topical medication use. |
Don’t miss! |
At 1:44, Chief Clinical Officer, Tron Emptage, RPh, explains that dermatological drugs have taken the top spot in therapeutic classes in utilization reports. At 2:22, Policy Guys Kevin Tribout and Adam Fowler explain their work with states such as Mississippi and South Carolina, which are putting in place reimbursement caps on topical medications. |
Learning tools
Private-label topical medications
Why it matters |
This historical presentation describes the characteristics of private label topical medications, provides common examples, and explains concerns associated with these medications. |
Don’t miss! |
Slide 5, which provides a list of inexpensive alternatives for expensive topical medications Terocin™ Lotion, Terocin™ Patch, and NuLido™ Gel |
Understanding topical medications
Why it matters |
This recent presentation provides a general overview of topical medications: What are they? When and why are they used? What are they made from? |
Don’t miss! |
Slides 7 and 8, which provide maps illustrating, by state, regulations and restrictions for compounded medications and physician dispensing/repackaging. Slides 28 and 29, “Questions to ask while managing your claims.” |
