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Friday, June 21, 2013

Are Physicians Using Their Prescribing Powers Appropriately?

by James Swann

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Some physicians may be abusing their prescribing powers, ordering unnecessary and even dangerous drugs for patients, a recent report from OIG said. The report identified 736 general-care physicians who exhibited questionable behavior in 2009 when prescribing Medicare Part D prescription drugs, including prescribing high percentages of Schedule II and III drugs and prescribing high amounts of drugs per beneficiary. While OIG was quick to point out that the physicians might be engaged in legitimate activities, it said "physicians with such questionable prescribing patterns warrant further scrutiny."
 

In one case of questionable prescribing behavior, 78 percent of a Florida-based physician's prescription orders were for Schedule II drugs, including oxycodone and morphine. For one beneficiary, the Florida physician prescribed a 605-day supply of morphine and a 524-day supply of oxycodone. Schedule II drugs have a high risk of addiction and abuse, OIG said. The report also said 108 out of the 735 physicians ordered an average of 71 or more prescriptions per beneficiary, compared to the national average of 13. 

OIG said CMS should: 

 

  • work with the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor to strengthen oversight of physician prescription behavior; 
  • issue guidance for both Part D plan sponsors and physicians on appropriate prescribing behavior; and 
  • review the prescription orders for the 736 physicians identified by OIG.

 

 

 
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