The physicians included in the study all wrote substantially more prescriptions for addictive drugs, such as opioid painkillers, than physicians in similar specialties, but the letters didn’t change how many addictive drugs they prescribed or how often, Reuters reported.
Previous research has shown that letters comparing individuals to their peers on a variety of metrics can yield a change of behavior, such as encouraging vaccines or paying taxes, according to Adam Sacarny, PhD, assistant professor of health policy and management, the study’s lead author.
To test if letters could produce the same effects among physicians who overprescribe addictive drugs, the researchers used Medicare data from 2011 to 2013. They identified 1,525 outlier healthcare providers prescribing Schedule II controlled substances, which pose a risk for abuse and dependence, at much higher rates than their peers. The physicians were prescribing under Medicare Part D. Approximately 60 percent of these physicians were general practitioners, 20 percent were nurse practitioners and 20 percent were specialists.
According to Reuters, the average outlier physician was responsible for 406 percent more prescriptions for Schedule II drugs than those in a similar specialty practicing in the same state. Each was also tied to about 1,444 Schedule II prescriptions, accounting for nearly $200,000, in 2013.
To test the effectiveness of the letters, the researchers randomly assigned the identified outlier physicians into two groups. Providers in one group received letters from CMS informing them how much more they prescribed addictive drugs to patients compared with their peers. After 90 days, the physicians who received the letters did not show differences in prescribing patterns from the group that did not receive the letter.
More articles on physician issues:
MEDNAX acquires ENT practice
DuPage Medical Group adds 8 physicians through new acquisition
The triple aim depends upon a safety culture
