Back to History

Fields Changed

Registration

Field Before After
Last Published May 03, 2017 02:41 PM May 03, 2017 02:48 PM
Back to top

Papers

Field Before After
Paper Abstract Inappropriate prescribing is a rising threat to the health of Medicare beneficiaries and a drain on Medicare’s finances. In this study we used a randomized controlled trial approach to evaluate a low-cost, light-touch intervention aimed at reducing the inappropriate provision of Schedule II controlled substances in the Medicare Part D program. Potential overprescribers were sent a letter explaining that their practice patterns were highly unlike those of their peers. Using rich administrative data, we were unable to detect an effect of these letters on prescribing. We describe ongoing efforts to build on this null result with alternative interventions. Learning about the potential of light-touch interventions, both effective and ineffective, will help produce a better toolkit for policy makers to improve the value and safety of health care.
Paper Citation Sacarny, Adam, David Yokum, Amy Finkelstein, and Shantanu Agrawal. "Medicare Letters To Curb Overprescribing Of Controlled Substances Had No Detectable Effect On Providers." Health Affairs. 2016; 35(3); 471-479. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2015.1025
Paper URL http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/35/3/471
Back to top