ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project was to describe patterns in over-the-counter medication prescribing for nonacute patients with Medicaid in a pediatric emergency department. Differences were also tested in visit time and charges between patients with and without over-the-counter medication prescriptions. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of children with Missouri Medicaid presenting to a single site between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 was conducted. Low-acuity patients with common diagnoses were included. Over-the-counter medications prescribed, the cost of prescriptions, the time spent in the emergency department, provider care time, patient age, and the month of visit were extracted. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and t tests. RESULTS: Approximately 37% of children were prescribed over-the-counter medications, most commonly antipyretics. When comparing visits in which an over-the-counter medication was prescribed to visits without an over-the-counter medication prescription, we found no significant difference in the associated charges, total time in the department, and provider care time. CONCLUSION: Over-the-counter medications were prescribed for more than one-third of children cared for in the pediatric emergency department for low-acuity presentations. These visits may represent a substantial area for Medicaid access barriers, system redesign, and cost savings.