Variation in opioid prescribing and quantifying the costs of transition to chronic use among opioid-naïve patients undergoing common surgeries

Benjamin Ukert described the physician- and state-level variation in prescribing practices post C-section and knee arthroscopy, two of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. Using private insurance claims data, Ukert also determined the relationship between prescribing practices and the transition to prolonged opioid use. Lastly, he also estimated the associated healthcare costs and service utilization as a result of prolonged opioid use.

Benjamin Ukert is an assistant professor in the department of Health & Policy Management School of Public Health at the Texas A&M University. He is an applied microeconomist with a specific interest in the areas of risky behaviors, insurance reform, public transfer programs, and crime prevention.