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Industrial Commission of Arizona
Protection of life, health, safety, and welfare of Arizona's workforce

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  • Official Disability Guidelines

Official Disability Guidelines

Official Disability Guidelines (ODG)

Charles Carpenter, Manager
Email: [email protected]
800 W Washington St, Phoenix AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 542-6731
FAX: (602) 542-4797

About the ODG: The Industrial Commission of Arizona (Commission) has adopted the Work Loss Data Institute’s Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) as the standard reference for evidence based medicine within the context of Arizona’s workers’ compensation system. By adopting and referencing the most recent edition (at the time of treatment), and continuously updated Official Disability Guidelines, the Commission can ensure the latest available medical evidence is used in making medical treatment decisions for injured workers. 

The use of ODG for the management of chronic pain and the use of opioids for all stages of pain management went into effect on October 1, 2016.  For Article 13, Treatment Guideline Rules please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ODG 


Click on any question to open up a window with the answer. To close a window, click on its question again. You may have multiple windows open at once. To obtain these FAQs as a downloadable PDF, click here. 

What is ODG?

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.

What can I expect to find in ODG?

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.

Who develops and authors the guidelines?

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.

Are the ODG treatment guidelines evidence-based?

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.

How are the ODG treatment guidelines developed?

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.

How often is ODG updated?

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).

How can I access ODG?

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.

What is the cost of an ODG license?

Arizona users receive 50% off the current subscription price. Reference "Arizona" in your order inquiry.  

 

 Rev 08/2016
 

Subscription Licenses


Subscription Licenses are available for:

  • Health-Care Providers
  • Attorneys
  • Insurance Carriers, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), Self-Insured Employers
For more Information on Subscription Licenses, click here.  1.0


ODG Training Tools 

ODG Self-Training Tools                                                                                                                                                              1.0


WEBINARS

 

RECURRING SCHEDULED WEBINARS FOR WHICH ENROLLMENT IS REQUIRED

 
Introduction to ODG, held monthly1.0

RECORDED WEBINARS THAT CAN BE VIEWED AT ANY TIME

On-demand training webinars

 


ODG Appendix A Drug Formulary

ODG Drug Formulary    
ODG Drug Formulary Information    


 

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800 W. Washington Street
Phoenix AZ 85007
602-542-4661

 

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Tucson AZ 85716
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