The initiative was spurred by an earlier study linking higher prescribed daily doses of opioids to higher risk of fatal and nonfatal overdoses.
Like other health systems nationwide, Group Health physicians have shown a twofold increase from 1997-2005 in prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain.
Read the Health Affairs abstract on the Group Health initiative on opioid safety.
Related Articles on Problems With Opioid Prescriptions:
Half of Patients Prescribed Opioids Still Taking Them Five Years Later
Study: Prescription Painkillers Key Gateway to Heroin Use
Study: Addiction to Meds Common for Chronic Pain Patients
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.
