They published the findings in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Thirty surgeons, pain specialists, outpatient surgical nurse practitioners, surgical residents, patients and pharmacists came to a consensus on the guidelines.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Johns Hopkins experts reviewed 20 common procedures in breast surgery, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery and cardiac surgery, among others, to determine a pain management regimen.
2. The guidelines for the 20 procedures were:
• One to 15 tablets for 11 out of 20 procedures
• Sixteen to 20 tablets for six out of the 20 procedures
• Zero tablets for three out of the 20 procedures
3. Researchers agreed orthopedic surgery warranted the highest number of opioids. The guidelines state a range from zero to 20 pills for three of the four orthopedic procedures is acceptable.
More articles on practice management:
Dr. James Harman joins West Virginia OrthoNeuro: 3 things to know
3 things to know about Medical City Dallas’ new Scoliosis & Advanced Spine Center
Rapides Regional Medical Center completes $2.5M neurosurgical suite with Brainlab: 5 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
