Analgesic methadone prescribing in community health centers among patients with chronic pain

Steffani R. Bailey; Jean P. O’Malley; Daniel M. Hartung; Nathalie Huguet; Miguel Marino; John Muench

doi:10.5055/jom.0811

Authors

Steffani R. Bailey, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4482-8083
Jean P. O’Malley, MPH
Daniel M. Hartung, PharmD, MPH
Nathalie Huguet, PhD
Miguel Marino, PhD
John Muench, MD, MPH

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.0811

Keywords:

methadone, primary care, chronic pain, community health centers

Abstract

Objective: To examine analgesic methadone prescriptions among community health center (CHC) patients with chronic pain.

Design: Observational; two cross-sectional periods.

Setting: Oregon and California CHCs.

Patients: Chronic pain patients with ≥1 visit in 2012-2013 or 2017-2018 (N = 158,239).

Outcomes: Changes in adjusted relative rates (aRRs) of receiving no opioids, short-acting only, long-acting only other than methadone, and methadone; characteristics associated with ≥1 methadone prescription.

Results: Opioid prescribing declined over time, with the largest decrease in methadone (aRR = 0.19, 95 percent confidence interval: 0.14-0.27). Among patients receiving ≥1 long-acting opioid, variables associated with methadone prescribing included being aged <65 years, having nonprivate insurance, and an opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis. From 2012-2013 to 2017-2018, aRR increased among patients with OUD and decreased for those aged 18-30 (vs ≥65), uninsured and Medicaid-insured (vs private), and race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic Black (vs non-Hispanic White).

Conclusions: Methadone prescribing decreased in CHCs but remained elevated for several high-risk demographic groups.

Author Biographies

Steffani R. Bailey, PhD

Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon

Jean P. O’Malley, MPH

OCHIN, Inc., Portland, Oregon

Daniel M. Hartung, PharmD, MPH

College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

Nathalie Huguet, PhD

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon

Miguel Marino, PhD

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon

John Muench, MD, MPH

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon

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