Through our articles, resources and multiple communications CMS offers ongoing educational services to its members and their practices.
Prescription drug abuse and misuse is serious problem in Colorado and around the United States. In 2010, more than 38,000 people died from a drug overdose in the United States – one every 14 minutes. Nearly 60 percent of those deaths involved prescription drugs and, of those, 75 percent were opioid painkillers. In Colorado, the number of drug overdose deaths range from 250-500 per year; in 2010 it was just over 300.
The rates of misuse and overdose death cut across all demographics, though they’re highest among men, persons ages 20-64, non-Hispanic whites, and those in poor and rural areas.
A small percentage of providers prescribe the majority of controlled substances but providers who do prescribe these medications frequently inherently see more higher-risk patients and are more likely to have patients who are doctor shopping for opioids.
Colorado is working to develop a coordinated response among the many stakeholders. Colorado Medical Society leaders actively participate in the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and support the Colorado Board of Pharmacy’s efforts to enhance the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) system.
Check back often for more resources related to physicians and prescription drug abuse, misuse and prevention.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Cover: Hard-fought legislative session adjourns
Big wins in patient safety and prior authorization and big changes in out-of-network billing
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
View presentation on medication-assisted treatment for opioid recovery
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
New analysis breaks down opioid prescribing patterns in Colorado
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Webinar: Implementing ED Medication-Assisted Treatment - April 2
Monday, March 25, 2019
AMA, Colorado Medical Society release study of Colorado’s efforts to reverse opioid epidemic
Spotlight analysis finds progress made on numerous fronts, recommends next steps for policymakers, insurers and physicians
Monday, January 28, 2019
Physician education: Take the CDC opioid training modules
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
AMA, CMS and Manatt Health release study of Colorado’s efforts to reverse opioid epidemic
Spotlight analysis finds progress made on numerous fronts, recommends next steps for policymakers, insurers and physicians
Tuesday, January 01, 2019
Preparing for the gathering storm of the 2019 legislature
Tuesday, January 01, 2019
A look at the top issues facing physicians in the 2019 General Assembly
Thursday, November 01, 2018
2018 Annual Meeting: Opioid crisis
Valuck and Hoppe give update on the opioid crisis
Thursday, November 01, 2018
Prescription drug abuse
CMS president presents at Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention annual meeting
Thursday, November 01, 2018
Problem solving
Outcomes from the first multi-specialty physician convening on the opioid crisis
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Colorado Medical Society testifies before opioid committee, will convene physicians Oct. 6