# Watch: In the midst of an opioid epidemic, drug testing is exploding

Published 2018-02-20 · Updated 2026-03-12 · Healthcare on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/healthcare/watch-midst-opioid-epidemic-drug-testing-exploding

> Citing the high risk of addiction when prescribing opioids, physicians are requiring drug tests in record numbers. The testing market has since exploded to $8.5 billion annually in just a few short years. Now patients who aren’t addicted are getting saddled with surprise $15,000+ bills. The labs responsible are coming under scrutiny for the suspect…

Citing the high risk of addiction when prescribing opioids, physicians are requiring drug tests in record numbers. The testing market has since exploded to $8.5 billion annually in just a few short years. Now patients who aren’t addicted are getting saddled with surprise $15,000+ bills. The labs responsible are coming under scrutiny for the suspect practice, though action has yet to be taken.

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