Those who both smoke cigarettes and have multiple alcoholic drinks a day face worse surgical outcomes – but talking about risks before operations can reduce use.

Black patients were 40% more likely than white patients to report uncontrolled pain scores. New hospital-based pilot programs aim to change that.

Veterans receiving buprenorphine were more likely to stay on it if they had virtual visits, but phone-based virtual care was especially prominent among those who are Black or lack stable housing.

Legality and cultural shifts could be behind change, says expert.

Study shows both types of virtual care kept VA patients from dropping out of medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder.

Researchers say the findings suggest more clinicians are carefully considering the risks of prescribing opioids.