Low-Value Care: Opioids for Low Back Pain

Sometimes, medical interventions provide minimal to no benefit to patients, leading to unnecessary costs and potential harm. This phenomenon is often referred to as low-value care. Inappropriate prescribing of opioids for low back pain has become a significant concern due to the lack of effectiveness and potential for harm. This report uses data from the Georgia All-Payer Claims Database (GA APCD) to examine rates of early opioid prescriptions for new-onset low back pain, which may be indicative of inappropriate care.