How Treatment Patterns Vary by Part of Body and Drive Medical Utilization
The Medical Treatment Statistics Report provides detailed insight into the medical care received by Delaware workers’ compensation claimants by part of body injured. Using data from Unit Statistical Reports and the Medical Data Call, the analysis examines office and physical medicine visits, surgical procedures, and prescription drug usage occurring within the first two years following injury.
By presenting treatment patterns, timing, and utilization across injury types, the report helps stakeholders better understand how medical services are delivered within Delaware’s workers’ compensation system and where treatment intensity and costs are most concentrated.
77%
Percentage of Delaware workers’ compensation claims that included at least one office or physical medicine visit.
What’s in the report
- Initial doctor visits most often occur on the same day or the day following the injury, indicating prompt access to care across injury types.
- Injuries involving the upper extremities generate the largest share of office visits, surgeries, and overall treatment volume.
- Shoulder and upper arm injuries are most likely to involve surgery, while prescription drug usage and opioid involvement differ materially across injury categories.