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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
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Opioid Prescribing Among Mohs Surgeons From 2014 Through 2022: An Analysis of Medicare Claims Data

Amy K Poupore1, Scott A Neltner, Alan B Fleischer

  • 1All authors are affiliated with the Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Dermatologic Surgery : Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [Et Al.]
|June 19, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mohs surgeons are prescribing fewer opioids since 2014, with a significant drop in opioid prescriptions. This trend reflects improved opioid stewardship in managing postsurgical pain for Mohs micrographic surgery patients.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pain Management
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mohs surgery often leads to significant postsurgical pain, especially after complex reconstructions.
  • Opioid use for pain control carries risks of dependency and overdose, necessitating careful opioid stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in opioid prescribing practices among Mohs surgeons for Medicare beneficiaries.
  • To evaluate changes in prescribing from 2014 to 2022 amidst the opioid epidemic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims data.
  • Examined opioid prescribing patterns of Mohs surgeons over an 8-year period.

Main Results:

  • The percentage of Mohs surgeons prescribing opioids decreased from 48% to 33% between 2014 and 2022.
  • Opioid prescribing was linked to newer medical school graduates, Southern/Midwestern/Western locations, higher case volumes, and complex repairs.
  • Prescribers reduced average supply by 19%; hydrocodone prescriptions fell 28%, while tramadol increased 246%.

Conclusions:

  • Mohs surgeons' opioid prescribing practices have improved, with reduced frequency and duration of prescriptions.
  • Most Mohs surgeons were not prescribing opioids by 2022, indicating enhanced opioid stewardship.

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