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New CDC Study Affirms Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Impact on Opioid Crisis | ||
By: PR Newswire Association LLC. - 21 Oct 2016 | Back to overview list |
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BOSTON, Oct. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Prescription Pain Medication Safety Program is reducing the number of opioid-based prescriptions among its members. The CDC research found:
Click here for more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Prescription Pain Medication Safety Program. As the CDC study reports, overdose deaths involving opioid pain medications are epidemic in the United States, in part because of high opioid prescribing rates and associated abuse of these drugs. "After Blue Cross implemented a new opioid utilization program, there was a significant decrease in both the number of opioid prescriptions among its members as well as a reduction in the percentage of members with a prescription for opioid-based medications," said Dr. Macarena Garcia, lead author of the CDC study. "The implication is that evidence-based utilization management practices can promote best practices in opioid prescribing, while reducing the risk of misuse of these medications." Blue Cross' own analysis of its program has shown that over three years it has:
"Our program has become a model for the state and nation, and this new CDC report, which looks at our data in new ways, shows it can ensure people in pain get the treatment they need, while reducing the risk of substance use disorder," said Tony Dodek, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Associate Chief Medical Officer. Background Blue Cross' Prescription Pain Medication Safety Program was implemented in July 2012 to help reduce the rise in people addicted to pain medications. Developed in partnership with physicians, pharmacists, and pain management and addiction experts, the program requires:
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177637LOGO
SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts |
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Copyright 2016 PR Newswire Association LLC. | Back to overview list |