Inconsistencies in reporting may mean opioid deaths are undercounted

Nicholas Leider | | Health Exec | Policy & Regulations

Drug-related deaths more than tripled between 1999 and 2015—and many of those can be attributed to opioids. But the numbers may be more alarming than previously thought, according to a new report from Kaiser Health News and Side Effects Public Media.

Because of inconsistent reporting and testing methods, opioid-related overdoses are undercounted by 25 and 35 percent. The numbers reflect findings from a February study in Addiction

“We have a real crisis, and one of the things we need to invest in, if we’re going to make progress, is getting better information,” said Christopher Ruhm, the author of the paper and an economist at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Read more at Kaiser Health News below:

Omissions On Death Certificates Lead To Undercounting Of Opioid Overdoses

""
Nicholas Leider, Managing Editor

Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.

Related Content

Veterans Affairs denies it discriminates based on politics, marital status
Dexcom recalls more than 2 million CGM receivers over safety issues—dozens of adverse events reported
Ivenix infusion kits recalled by FDA due to serious manufacturing defect
FDA recalls pediatric breathing kits after eight serious injuries
Judge rips Trump administration for terminating DEI-advancing NIH grants: ‘Have we no shame?’
FDA recalls Zyno infusion pumps, citing risk of death

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Eli Lilly to acquire gene-editing specialists focused on CVD for up to $1.3B

The company has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics for an upfront payment of approximately $1 billion. The total could increase significantly, however, if certain milestones are met. One of Verve's biggest gene therapies has already received the FDA's fast track designation.

Cardiovascular Business
AMA House of Delegates helps cardiology groups influence healthcare policies

American College of Cardiology Board of Governors Chair David E. Winchester, MD, MS, examines the many benefits of working with the American Medical Association House of Delegates to bring about significant change.

Cardiovascular Business
Smaller revenues, less growth: In US, tariffs may create headaches for $34.5B cardiovascular device market

“Without a more concrete and stable policy on these tariffs from the current American administration, it is likely that most manufacturers will be forced to continuously change their internal forecasts and production plans," one analyst said.