In response to: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/health/policy/04medicare.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=presciption%20drug%20abuse&st=cse
Letter to the Health Editor
New York Times
620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
10/4/11
Dear Editor:
Prescription drug abuse is not only a Medicare problem; it’s a growing public health problem, no matter who pays the bill. The problem is being addressed through Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMPs) in most states, but we must extend these to all states and fully implement and share the databases. Current loopholes allow patients to go out of state for excess prescription drugs and escape notice because physician use of the database is not mandatory. PMPs are a good idea, but we must close the loopholes and give them a chance to work. The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians has been lobbying Congress for a series of bills and funding to do just that. The resulting health care savings will be comprehensive, not just for Medicare. Please learn about and support these efforts.
Sincerely,
Olivia Dean
2421 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley CA 94720
ordean@berkeley.edu
831-227-6806
While I do agree that it is necessary to curtail excessive prescription drug use, I believe that further quantitative and qualitative analysis should be conducted in order to determine the motivation for individuals. Hypothetically, some reasons for illegal purchases could be due to addiction or drug trade. However, has it been considered if the illegal increased demand was due to inherent need? There may be patients suffering who either a) need more drugs despite prescription recommendations, or b) those who cannot afford pharmaceutical level prices may seek out cheaper prices on the street. While this goes against the purpose of regulation, there may be underestimated reasons for prescription drug "abuse." Further research is warranted to determine root causes, not convenient hypotheses.
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