Here are four things to know:
1. Approximately 25 percent of opioid prescriptions are above CDC dosage guidelines.
2. Only 1 percent of patients underwent a urine drug test before they were prescribed an opioid.
3. The vast majority – 97 percent – of initial opioid prescriptions for chronic pain was for immediate-release opioids, in line with CDC guidelines.
4. During their opioid treatment, over 40 percent of chronic pain patients also received benzodiazepine prescriptions, which according to CDC guidelines can be unsafe for patients and should be avoided as much as possible.
More articles on quality:
Surgery center linked to 2012 meningitis outbreak fights punitive damages claim—5 insights
New CAIP ASC infection prevention credential: 7 things to know
Cookeville Center for Pain Management owner to pay $1.45M for prescribing ‘useless’ painkillers
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
