Physical medicine (PM) services are commonly used in treating workers with low back pain (LBP) and other musculoskeletal injuries.

This report documents the prevalence of extended use of PM services (referred to as extended PM use) among 28 study states for nonsurgical LBP claims.

The report also identifies several key factors associated with a higher likelihood of extended PM use. For example, the study highlights less coordinated PM care among providers as one of the key factors associated with a higher likelihood of having extended PM use.

The findings will be helpful for those who are interested in finding ways to improve coordination of care for the purpose of achieving more consistent care to workers for early recovery.

Factors Associated with Extended Use of Physical Medicine Services for Workers with Low Back Pain. Dongchun Wang, Kathryn L. Mueller, and Randall D. Lea. March 2023. WC-23-18.

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