The Value Of A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program For Physicians:
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The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health, safety and economic problem. The rate of opioid deaths in Missouri are almost double that of other states. The longer a patient remains on these medications the higher the probability for abuse, and the more inclined the patient is to turn to illicit drugs such as heroine. While the Governor’s executive order was a start, it doesn’t go far enough as it does not have patient history. A local PDMP and the Governor’s program can actually work together, because they are different.
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Doctor shopping, seeking out prescriptions from a number of different doctors, is a dangerous practice. A Canadian study showed that almost 40 percent of patients who died from an overdose had received prescriptions from three or more doctors the year before their deaths.
A local PDMP would proactively alert prescribers, dispensers, law enforcement and licensing boards of persons who were addicted or diverting controlled substances. Healthcare providers need the tools to insure patient safety remains a top priority and keep unwanted drugs off our streets.