San Francisco-based Blue Shield of California reported a 32 percent decrease in opioid consumption among noncancer members during the first two years of its narcotic safety initiative.
Blue Shield of California's three-year narcotic safety program aims to "achieve prudent prescribing and proactive management of opioids; increase access to programs that manage pain, addiction and substance abuse; and reduce fraud, waste and abuse," the payer said.
In addition to an overall decrease in opioid consumption, Blue Shield of California recorded a 46.8 percent decrease in the number of members on high dose opioids. The average dose for chronic users dropped 17.8 percent as well.
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