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HOSPITAL DRUG BATTLE
Holzer Medical Center Joins War On Drugs

Reported by: Send eMail Dave Benton
Videographer: Kenney Barnette
Web Producer: Dave Benton
Reported: Feb. 18, 2013 10:22 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 19, 2013 9:34 AM EST

EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO
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Gallipolis , Gallia County , Ohio

Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis, Ohio is cracking down on prescription drug abuse. Doctor shopping at the emergency room will soon be a thing of the past at Holzer. The hospital will soon implement a state recommended program that will track people who need narcotics.

Gretchen Nutter is a registered nurse and said, "We'll be monitoring a number of patients in here and if they're coming frequently for refills."

Doctor Wayne Munro says he sees people coming into the emergency room on a weekly basis for chronic pain. Sometimes the same person will come back several times in one day.

Holzer is also part of a pilot program called Cross Chx. Patients who need a prescription will have to scan their thumb before getting their meds. It's designed to help protect them from medical identity fraud as well as prescription drug abuse. Dr. Munro said, "We'll be able to tell where and when people get their medications. These devices are in the pharmacies now. You'll have to put you finger print down and that's how we'll know if you the right person getting the medication."

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning says Holzer's efforts help beef up their war on drugs in southeastern Ohio.

Browning said, "It's got to have an impact and let people know if they're inclined to do something like that, they probably need to go somewhere else besides Gallia County. I say that because that's the main medical facility in Gallia County and it's commendable they put forth that effort to recognize what the problem is with drug abuse."

Holzer will begin the prescription guide program in April.



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