Variation in the degree of concentration of prescription opioid utilization using different measures.

摘要: Abstract Background Studies of opioid prescribing patterns have shown that a small percentage prescribers are responsible for large portion total prescriptions. There is some evidence prescription use may be similarly concentrated, but differ by population and choice utilization measure. The objective this study to determine what proportion was attributable the top utilizers among Medicaid beneficiaries how varies measure used. Methods We analyzed 2008–2009 claims data from 14 states created three claims-based measures aggregate utilization: number annual prescriptions, milligrams morphine equivalent, days supply. tested two versions supply measure: one assuming consecutive other concurrent Results 20 % users accounted 66 82–85 depending on assumption, 90 milligram equivalents (MME). degree which concentrated varied minimally across states. Conclusions A account share use. Policy efforts should metrics pertaining MME, not numbers more efficiently target heavy utilization. Policies targeting high-dose consider different ways overlapping prescriptions taken.