What Role does the Doctor-Patient Relationship Play in the Opioid Epidemic?

According to the DEA, sales of prescription painkillers in the United States have quadrupled since 1999. If that isn’t enough to raise eyebrows, consider the following: almost twice as many people abuse prescription drugs as the number of people abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants combined. And if that’s that enough, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that prescription drug overdose death rates in the United States have more than tripled since 1990 and have never been higher. These statistics have raised serious concerns, triggering efforts to build competency around opioid prescription practices in the treatment of chronic pain.

The Doctor-Patient Relationship

The doctor-patient relationship must extend beyond merely establishing a treatment program. It should be treated as an intersection between education, treatment, intervention, and compliance that is formative in controlling the opioid epidemic. The dialogue between doctor and patient can help to uncover additional risk factors, warning signs, and complications that could hinder an injured worker’s recovery or put them at risk for addiction or death. Engaging in open conversation with patients regarding their medical history and other current treating physicians (if more than one) opens the door to more informed treatment practices. For instance, this practice would be instrumental in identifying a patient whose clinical picture is more consistent with addiction. In which case, the treating physician would be prompted to utilize a non-opioid treatment plan that may also be far more cost effective. Further, it is through this relationship that patients can receive the necessary education on the risks and dangers of their prescribed opioid pain treatment plan thus promoting adherence to prescription guidelines.

ANS Pharmacotherapy Review

In our pharmacotherapy review program we take a highly comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of injured workers. Through our advanced techniques our experts are able to uncover opportunities for modifications that can improve patient efficacy. Our proven results not only improve the quality of care and life for the patient but also reduce associated medical costs.

For more information on ANS drug utilization review through pharmacotherapy contact us today or visit www.ans-solutions.com.

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