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Provider availability, disease burdens, and opioid prescriptions

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  • Gearhart, Richard
  • Michieka, Nyakundi

Abstract

We investigate the impact of healthcare resource availability on opioid prescribing rates. Utilizing healthcare provider shortage area (HPSA) scores, we show that fewer healthcare resources have higher opioid prescribing rates. However, more doctors per capita are associated with significantly higher opioid prescribing rates. This suggests that patients “doctor shop”, finding providers willing to prescribe opioids. It also suggests that part of the rural opioid epidemic is a function of healthcare resource availability. It implies that policies that incentivize care provided by non-prescribing healthcare workers, such as nurses, may alleviate some opioid issues in impoverished areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Gearhart, Richard & Michieka, Nyakundi, 2021. "Provider availability, disease burdens, and opioid prescriptions," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 371-383.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:71:y:2021:i:c:p:371-383
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2021.05.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eberhardt, M.S. & Pamuk, E.R., 2004. "The importance of place of residence: Examining health in rural and nonrural areas," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(10), pages 1682-1686.
    2. Hollingsworth, Alex & Ruhm, Christopher J. & Simon, Kosali, 2017. "Macroeconomic conditions and opioid abuse," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 222-233.
    3. Thomas C. Buchmueller & Colleen Carey, 2018. "The Effect of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs on Opioid Utilization in Medicare," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 10(1), pages 77-112, February.
    4. Keyes, K.M. & Cerdá, M. & Brady, J.E. & Havens, J.R. & Galea, S., 2014. "Understanding the rural-urban differences in nonmedical prescription opioid use and abuse in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(2), pages 52-59.
    5. Daniel I. Rees & Joseph J. Sabia & Laura M. Argys & Joshua Latshaw & Dhaval Dave, 2017. "With a Little Help from My Friends: The Effects of Naloxone Access and Good Samaritan Laws on Opioid-Related Deaths," NBER Working Papers 23171, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Healthcare provider shortage area (HPSA); Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP); Opioid prescriptions; Opioid epidemic;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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