Insights: The billion-dollar crisis killing 47,000 Americans a year

In this episode, we’re joined by John Bowman, CEO of Sure Med Compliance. He founded the company after spending more than a decade in the pharmaceutical industry and seeing the overwhelming effects of the opioid epidemic play out while living in Manatee County, Florida. A portion of this interview first appeared on our Aug. 7 episode. 

John shares his unique insights on: 

• The impact of patient workflow on responsible opioid therapy
• The potential legal ramifications facing today’s prescribing physicians
• Law enforcement’s oft-used phrases “in the usual course of business” and “legitimate medical purpose”
• Documentation’s important role in keeping compliant

Here are some links and references related to this week’s show:

• Doctors are more likely to prescribe opioids later in the day – or if appointments run late
• Physicians writing fewer initial opioid prescriptions, but some high-risk prescribing persists 
• Mobile tech helps surgery practice write fewer opioid prescriptions
• Health Insurance Plans May Be Fueling Opioid Epidemic
• Surgeons’ Opioid-Prescribing Habits Are Hard To Kick
• Opioid Overdose Crisis – National Institute on Drug Abuse

If you like the show, please rate and review it wherever you get your podcasts. We love hearing from listeners about the show. If you have topics you’d like us to cover or experts you’d like us to interview, email us at podcasts@mgma.com. 

MGMA Insights is presented by Craig Wiberg, Rob Ketcham, Decklan McGee and Daniel Williams. 

Thanks to Stericycle for sponsoring this episode of MGMA Insights. To learn more about how Stericycle can ensure your practice remains safe, secure and compliant, visit stericycle.com/reliability.