Official Disability Guidelines

ODG contains independent, evidence-based, nationally recognized treatment guidelines for the most common work-related conditions. ODG also includes evidence-based return-to-work guidelines as well as predictive modeling and medical management tools. ODG is the most complete set of integrated evidence-based medical treatment and return-to-work guidelines.

Chapters, which are based on body parts such as “Knee and Leg” or general conditions such as “Pain.” Each chapter has a “Procedure Summary” section which includes a comprehensive list of treatments that could be performed for injuries to specific body parts or on general conditions as indicated by the chapter name. Each possible treatment procedure is listed as recommended, not recommended, or under study. All recommendations are based on a comprehensive and ongoing medical literature review. ODG offers an array of tools outside the treatment guidelines including evidence based return to work guidelines, medical management tools, and predictive modeling tools which can be used to forecast length of disability, claims costs, and risk levels of claims.

There is an Editorial Advisory Board composed of approximately 100 health care professionals. The Editorial Advisory Board is multidisciplinary in scope, representing all medical specialties (occupational medicine, orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc.). ODG has realized considerable provider acceptance, including adoption by more states and provinces than any other guideline, because it is evidence-based, and recommendations are linked directly to the supporting studies; the results of that research are reflected in the constant updating of the guidelines. These studies are focused on improved health and return-to-work outcomes for injured workers. Unlike medical specialty society guidelines, ODG does not represent the interests of any one provider-group over others. Rather, it represents all areas of specialty.

Yes, ODG is evidence-based and each recommendation is linked to the supporting medical evidence, provided in abstract form, which has been ranked, highlighted, and indexed. Full text copies of these studies are used by physician editors in formulating recommendations and are available on request. Accountability and transparency are hallmarks of the ODG development process.

The ODG treatment guidelines are developed according to the AGREE Instrument. AGREE stands for “Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation". It originates from an international collaboration of researchers and policy makers who work together to improve the quality and effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines by establishing a shared framework for their development, reporting, and assessment. To view the full ODG Methodology Using the AGREE Instrument, download this document.

ODG is continuously updated, reflecting the findings of new studies as they are conducted and released; subscribers are always up to date. ODG undergoes a comprehensive annual update process based on scientific medical literature review, claims data analysis, and expert panel validation. As new studies are released, the Web version is updated throughout the year to reflect them, along with quality improvements made to meet market demand. New features in recent years include an RTW Prescription (to export the guidelines for sharing with the injured worker, employer, and treating physician), Comorbidity Calculator, Drug Formulary, UR Advisor, and Claims Reserve Calculator, along with connectivity to MedlinePlus for full-color pictures and referential content from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

ODG is available in a subscription-based website. Individuals or companies can purchase annual licenses to access ODG on the Web. ODG is also available for integration into software platforms.

The cost for a single user license is $599.00. Please use Coupon Code ODGAZ in the subscription form to receive a 50% discount.  See the section "Subscription Licenses" immediately below for more information.