We investigate the impact of healthcare resource availability on opioid prescribing rates. Utilizing healthcare provider shortage area (HPSA) scores, we show that fewer healthcare resources have higher opioid prescribing rates. However, more doctors per capita are associated with significantly higher opioid prescribing rates. This suggests that patients “doctor shop”, finding providers willing to prescribe opioids. It also suggests that part of the rural opioid epidemic is a function of healthcare resource availability. It implies that policies that incentivize care provided by non-prescribing healthcare workers, such as nurses, may alleviate some opioid issues in impoverished areas.

我们调查了医疗资源可用性对阿片类药物处方率的影响。利用医疗保健提供者短缺地区 (HPSA) 评分，我们表明医疗资源越少，阿片类药物处方率越高。然而，更多的人均医生与更高的阿片类药物处方率有关。这表明患者“看医生”，寻找愿意开阿片类药物的提供者。它还表明，农村阿片类药物流行的一部分是医疗资源可用性的函数。这意味着鼓励非处方医护人员（如护士）提供护理的政策可能会缓解贫困地区的一些阿片类药物问题。