Medical care
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Opioids are prescribed more frequently than nonpharmacologic treatments for persistent musculoskeletal pain (MSP). We estimate the association between the supply of physical therapy (PT) and mental health (MH) providers and early nonpharmacologic service use with high-risk opioid prescriptions among Medicare beneficiaries with persistent MSP. ⋯ The benefits of nonpharmacologic services on opioid use may be limited. Research on effective delivery of nonpharmacologic services to reduce high-risk opioid use for older adults with MSP is needed.