Provider availability, disease burdens, and opioid prescriptions

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.