PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regence health plans announced today progress toward a company goal to reduce opioids prescriptions by 25 percent across the four-state region of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah by 2020. Results reported through the fourth quarter of 2017 reflect a 22 percent decrease since 2015. Regence is on pace to reach a 25 percent reduction in opioid prescriptions two years ahead of schedule with expanded policies and practices that took effect Jan. 1, 2018.
The initiative is part of broader work by Regence to build a comprehensive opioid management program to decrease opioid misuse while supporting appropriate use for people who can benefit from treatment.
“The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that affects millions of Americans,” said Dr. Richard Popiel, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Regence. “We’re taking a stand to support our communities and the members we serve. We are ensuring members who can benefit from opioid treatment get the care they need, while strengthening our medication policies to reduce opioid misuse, and supporting our members who need addiction treatment.”
Regence’s four-state market has seen a significant impact from the opioid epidemic:
- Oregon has one of the nation’s highest rates of opioid misuse and more drug poisoning deaths involving prescription opioids than any other drug. On average, three Oregonians die every week from prescription opioid overdose, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
- In Idaho, more than 200 people die each year from prescription drug overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Utah has the seventh-highest overdose rate in the United States, according to the Utah Department of Health.
- The majority of all drug overdose deaths in Washington – more than six out of 10 – involve opioids, the Washington State Department of Health reports.
Regence initiatives to combat opioid misuse include:
- Pharmacy point-of-sale messaging that alerts pharmacists of potential for inappropriate use or misuse
- Claims data analysis shared with doctors that reveals opportunities for more informed clinical decisions that result in better outcomes
- Partnership with provider groups to share opioid use data and encourage responsible prescribing practices
- Strong medication polices aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and regional guidelines
- Expanded online provider opioid and pain management toolkit
- Partnerships with public officials and community organizations to create awareness about opioid use and develop community-based solutions
- Proposed legislative action to combat prescription drug abuse, nationally and in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain regions
- Promotion of educational and awareness campaigns focusing on the opioid epidemic, such as the PBS opioid documentary, “Understanding the Opioid Epidemic,” which began airing Jan. 17 nationwide
Regence continues to evaluate its programs and initiatives to support the access to high-quality, high-value treatment for our members.
About Regence
Regence serves more than 2.4 million members through Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (select counties in Washington). Each health plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com.
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