Observational retrospective study of the association of initial healthcare provider for new-onset low back pain with early and long-term opioid use.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study examined the association of initial provider treatment with early and long-term opioid use in a national sample of patients with new-onset low back pain (LBP).

Design

A retrospective cohort study of patients with new-onset LBP from 2008 to 2013.

Setting

The study evaluated outpatient and inpatient claims from patient visits, pharmacy claims and inpatient and outpatient procedures with initial providers seen for new-onset LBP.

Participants

216 504 individuals aged 18 years or older across the USA who were diagnosed with new-onset LBP and were opioid-naïve were included. Participants had commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance.

Exposures

The primary independent variable is type of initial healthcare provider including physicians and

SUBMITTER: Kazis LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6756340 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature