Opioid Prescribing Recommendations

Excessive prescribing of opioids after surgery places patients at risk of becoming new persistent users, a significant surgical complication.

Among opioid-naïve patients undergoing common surgical procedures, 6-10% continue filling opioid prescriptions 3-6 months after surgery.^1,2 72% of opioids prescribed by surgeons go unused by patients.³

These procedure-specific prescribing recommendations were developed by Michigan OPEN to curb this over-prescribing of post-operative opioids. These recommendations, for patients with no preoperative opioid use, were informed by patient-reported data from our Collaborative Quality Initiative (CQI) partners, published studies, and expert opinion. For patients taking opioids preoperatively, prescribers are encouraged to use their best judgment.

As part of post-operative pain care, Michigan OPEN strongly advocates patient counseling prior to surgery, and the use of over-the-counter medications, when indicated.

These recommendations will be revised as new data becomes available. Subscribe to be notified by email when the recommendations are updated.