Practices report educating patients on the misuse of opioids

The Medical Group Management Association’s most recent MGMA Stat poll asked healthcare leaders if they educate patients on the misuse of opioids. As an initial point of patient access, medical practices are frontline players in educating patients and caregivers on the safe use of prescription pain medications and the dangers of opioid abuse.

An overwhelming majority of respondents indicated their organizations educate their patients on the misuse of opioids while only 12% of respondents indicated their organizations did not do so; and an additional 27% indicated that their organization did not prescribe narcotics.

Of the organizations responding that they educate their patients on the misuse of opioids, 42% indicated their organizations communicated with patients face-to-face, 4% used printed, email, or other communications and 54% of organizations used a combination of these methods. Respondents further indicated that they usually consult with patients face-to-face in addition to sending printed or electronic educational materials home with the patient. Other practices described how they utilize a pain management agreement signed by the patient or offered patients access to a behavioral health counselor.

The poll was conducted on November 14, 2017 with 1,103 total responses. Of this total, 74 indicated the question was not applicable to their situation with a net of 1,029 applicable responses.

MGMA Stat is a national poll that addresses practice management topics, the impact of new legislation, and related topics. Participation is open to all healthcare professionals. Results of other polls and information on how to participate in MGMA Stat is available at: http://www.mgma.org/stat