Research Briefs
Date of this Version
10-11-2019
Abstract
Because long-term opioid use has been linked to the length and strength of an initial prescription, 33 states, Medicare, and some private insurers have set limits on the duration of new opioid prescriptions. In May 2017, New Jersey implemented a statewide 5-day limit on new opioid prescriptions and Penn Medicine implemented an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) alert to notify prescribers when a prescription exceeded the limit and provide compliant prescription orders. This study compared outcomes in Penn Medicine outpatient practices in New Jersey with its practices in Pennsylvania not subject to the law. Outcomes included total opioid dose and number of tablets per prescription as well as rates of prescription refills, health care visits, and telephone calls within 30 days to account for potential unintended consequences.
Document Type
Brief
Number
60
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords
opioid, prescribing, EMR, EHR, electronic health record, prescription
Included in
Health Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Pharmacy Administration, Policy and Regulation Commons
Date Posted: 12 November 2020