NCJ Number
145233
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The U.S. General Accounting Office examined the 10 currently operating State prescription drug monitoring programs to determine whether they have benefited investigative efforts and reduced drug diversion and whether State Medicaid programs have saved money because of fewer claims for prescription drugs.
Abstract
An analysis of information on program goals, operations, benefits, and costs, obtained through interviews and records, revealed that prescription drug monitoring programs save time and provide investigators with information on prescribing, purchasing, and dispensing, that allows them to identify potential cases of drug diversion. Five of the 10 States showed declines in the number of prescriptions for certain drugs, including morphine, valium, and codeine, since their programs were implemented. Only two States were able to document actual Medicaid savings, which amounted to $27 million over two years. Despite claims that prescription drug monitoring programs adversely affect a doctor's ability to practice or compromise patient care or confidentiality, only one State has had a confirmed complaint. 1 table, 6 notes, and 1 appendix