Week in Review: Opioid prescriptions; plus sleep apnea stroke risk and improving collections

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

The amount of opioids prescribed by all healthcare practitioners in the U.S. has increased over the last 15 years, but the total quantity of opioids prescribed by dentists has declined, according to a new study. As of 2012, dental professionals prescribed only about 2% of the total quantity of opioids. Learn more here.

Also this week on DrBicuspid.com, stroke survivors who have sleep apnea as well are more likely to experience another stroke or even die, according to study presented this week at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference. The researchers highlighted several risk factors in their presentation. Read more here.

Collections may be one of the most important aspects to your practice's success. But while practice owners understand this, it does not make the process any easier or more pleasant. Andy Cleveland of Dental Practice Ninjas looks at long-term data on accounts receivable and offers five practical tips to help your office improve on collections. Learn more here.

Bariatric surgery is a good option for treating obesity in certain patients, but it can cause some gastrointestinal complications and oral problems. Does it increase the risk of developing caries? The authors of a new review looked for answers. Read more here.

I'm pleased to write that the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is funded for the next six years. It took far too long to occur, but at last this worthy program is funded and the focus can return to improving the oral health of children and their families.