Two recent reports highlight costly and widespread use of prescription medication in the United States that raise concern. Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, launched an investigation into prescribing practices among doctors. What they found was questionable practices for prescription drugs that include pain medications and antipsychotics that are paid for under Medicare part D and Medicaid.
The finding suggests many physicians are writing potentially dangerous medications for the elderly and disabled.
The finding suggests many physicians are writing potentially dangerous medications for the elderly and disabled.
The report, published by the inspector general of the Health and Human Services Department uncovered more than 700 physicians with questionable prescribing practices writing prescriptions for drug that have a high potential for addiction and abuse.
"The review found more than 2,200 doctors whose records stood out in one of five areas: prescriptions per patient, brand name drugs, painkillers and other addictive drugs or the number of pharmacies that dispensed their orders," wrote ProPublica reporters in a press release.
The reporters are urging Medicare officials to take a closer look at physician prescribing practices. In response to the investigation and ensuing recommendations, Medicare officials say they have been working to monitor the overuse of narcotics.
Yet, CMS officials also note the importance of Medicare beneficiaries having access to the medication they truly need. A past study shows many elders skip needed prescriptions due to cost.
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