Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Should Be Open To Insurers
By Jaclyn Cosgrove, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
In many states, including
These programs monitor prescriptions of controlled dangerous substances, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, powerful painkillers that are at the heart of the nation's prescription drug problem.
"At a time when the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids has reached epidemic levels, it's important that third-party payers be able to use states' prescription monitoring data to make sure these drugs are prescribed appropriately,"
Unintentional drug overdose deaths have surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in both
In 2012, 534 Oklahomans died from unintentional prescription drug overdoses, and state health authorities say about half of them had taken drugs prescribed by their doctors.
If third-party payers were given access to their state's prescription drug monitoring programs, not only could it affect the number of residents dying, but it also could help curb costs, the report states.
Costs are soaring
The costs stemming from the non-medical use of prescription opioids, including lost productivity, law enforcement and drug abuse treatment, are more than an estimated
A recent analysis conducted for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud estimated that costs to health insurers resulting from prescription drug diversion total at least
The report points out that because many states -- including
As of 2012, 28 states were sharing prescription drug monitoring data with
It's not realistic for that handful of people to regularly check the program when there are thousands of Oklahomans filling prescriptions covered under
In March, the
Currently,
The report's authors say prescription drug monitoring programs are effective tools in helping combat prescription drug abuse.
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