JCC Denies Wegovy Prescription for Pain Management

In Messenger v. Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners / Davies Claims North America, Inc., OJCC Case No. 22-005623JPM, Judge John P. Moneyham considered whether the employer/carrier had to authorize and pay for a Wegovy prescription written in connection with continuing pain complaints.

The JCC denied the prescription after finding the claimant did not prove medical necessity under section 440.13(1)(k). The order emphasized testimony that Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss, not pain management, and that the evidence tying the medication to pain reduction remained uncertain, incomplete, or unsupported by studies.

Because the prescription was not shown to be a widely accepted, non-experimental treatment for pain, the JCC denied authorization and payment for Wegovy, along with the related claims for attorney's fees and costs.

Source: Final Compensation Order