In Iowa, every three in 1,000 BCBS members were diagnosed with opioid use disorder in 2017. About 242,000 members nationwide were diagnosed with opioid use disorder in the same year. However, Wellmark BCBS reported a 30 percent dip in opioid prescriptions per 1,000 members in Iowa between 2013 and 2017.”While we are encouraged by the findings in this report, we can’t lose sight that opioid addiction still is an issue in the state,” said Matt Hosford, Wellmark BCBS vice president and chief pharmacy officer.
The report totals all of the opioid overdose-related deaths and opioid-related fatalities across the state. Iowa saw 103 opioid overdose deaths in 2017, while in 2016 the number was 86.
More articles on opioids:
Federal judge rules opioid distribution data not meant for public eye
Addiction treatment too expensive & short, says expert
Fewer opioids prescribed for one procedure can spread to others
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