Surgeons across New York are collaborating with each other and with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to reduce unnecessary opioids prescribed to discharged patients.
The surgeons have created a program that would monitor appropriate opioid levels for patients who have undergone any of nearly two-dozen different procedures.
This measure went into effect July 1 and was modeled after a program in Michigan.
Participating hospitals in the Finger Lakes region include Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester General Hospital, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, Highland Hospital, Clifton Springs Hospital and Unity Hospital.