The study, conducted by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York, involved 1,600 primary care patients who received prescription opioid medication for chronic, non-cancer pain for about two years. Researchers examined whether patients received regular urine drug testing, were seen regularly at the office or received multiple early opioid refills.
The study found that patients with drug use disorders were seen less frequently in the office and were prescribed more early refills than patients without disorders. According to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine release, approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population has taken prescription drugs for non-medical uses in their lifetime.
Read the Albert Einstein College of Medicine release on opioids.
Read more on opioids:
–Opioid Use in Early Pregnancy Linked to Birth Defects
–Pain Physicians Can Utilize Random Urine Tests to Reinforce Proper Opioid Use
–FDA Approves Opioid Analgesic for Breakthrough Cancer Pain
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.