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During the 1-year period from July 1973 through June 1974, 1761 chloramphenicol prescriptions were written for 992 outpatients in the Tennessee Medicaid program. Sxi percent (250 of 3409) of participating physicians prescribed chloramphenicol; 20 physicians wrote 55% of the prescription. Both family practice and rural location were independently associated with increased rates of prescribing chloramphenicol for outpatients. Among rural family practitioners, 21% prescribed chloramphenicol. Physicians graduating since 1955 were as likely to have prescribed chloramphenicol as were earlier graduates. Almost half the adult patients received 6 grams or less, while 2 received more than 250 grams. Approximately half of the prescriptions were for treatment of upper respiratory infections. Most prescriptions were interdicted by good medical practice. Analysis of the prescribing of chloramphenicol (and perhaps other drugs) in ambulatory practice will help identify those physicians most in need or remedial medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a retrospective cohort study of the use of anticonvulsant medications among children enrolled in the Tennessee Medicaid program. Description of the methodology used in the study; Number of children who participated in the study; Result and conclusions of data collected.

The article cites a study of prescribing of liquid tetracyclines to ambulatory patients of all ages and patients in nursing homes in the Tennessee Medicaid program. The study also seeks to address the question of the number and age of patients who would be affected by any change in the availability of the liquid dosage forms. Researchers analyzed claims for tetracycline, doxycycline, and methacycline administered during October 1975 to March 1976. It was found that among state Medicaid recipients who are ambulatory or in nursing homes, older patients do not account for the bulk of liquid tetracycline prescriptions.