States with more comprehensive prescription drug monitoring programs saw hospital use and opioid prescription rates decline, according to a study published Sept. 3 in Health Affairs.
In states that require all physicians and pharmacists to register and participate in PDMPs, the opioid prescription rate for Medicaid enrollees dropped from 161 per 1,000 enrollees to 147 per 1,000 enrollees between 2011 and 2016. Those states also saw approximately 12,000 fewer opioid-related inpatient stays and 39,000 fewer opioid related emergency department visits.
The reduction in prescriptions, inpatient stays and ED visits could save over $155 million in Medicaid spending, according to the study.
Access the full study here.
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