CURES: Understanding the Meaning and Significance of the Term

When it comes to healthcare, there are various terminologies that we encounter on a regular basis. One such term is CURES. Often heard in the medical field, the meaning and significance of CURES can be confusing for many people. In this article, we will delve deeper into what CURES actually means and its relevance in healthcare.

What is CURES?

CURES stands for Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System. This is a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) that was launched by the state of California in 1997. The aim of CURES is to enable healthcare providers to check on the history of controlled substance prescriptions that have been dispensed to a particular patient. This is done with the goal of preventing drug abuse and the illegal diversion of prescription drugs.

Why is CURES Important?

CURES is an important tool for healthcare professionals in fighting the opioid epidemic. By enabling healthcare providers to have access to patients’ prescription history, CURES can help prevent doctor shopping, where individuals visit multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances that they then sell or abuse. CURES also helps identify patients who may be at risk of drug abuse or addiction, enabling healthcare providers to intervene early and provide appropriate treatment.

How Does CURES Work?

CURES collects data on all controlled substance prescriptions that are dispensed in California. All dispensers of controlled substances are required by law to report prescription information to CURES on a weekly basis. This information includes the name, address, date of birth, and gender of the patient, the name and address of the prescriber, and the name, strength, quantity and date of the controlled substance prescribed. Healthcare providers can access this information on a patient-by-patient basis by registering with CURES.

In conclusion, CURES is an important tool in the fight against drug abuse and the opioid epidemic. By enabling healthcare providers to have access to a patient’s prescription history, CURES can help prevent the illegal diversion of prescription drugs and identify patients who may be at risk of drug abuse or addiction. As such, it is crucial that healthcare providers utilize CURES to its fullest potential to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing of controlled substances.