Naloxone (Narcan): What Workers Comp Payers Need to Know

Though it has been on the market since 1971, this year is expected to be a landmark year in Naloxone (Narcan) sales nationwide, and this trend is expected to continue due not only to the opioid epidemic sweeping the nation, but the fact that opioids still remain the most frequently prescribed category of medication used in workers’ comp pain management.

Preventing Death from Opioid Overdose

In its hallmark form, Naloxone was approved for injection by the FDA in 1971. An opioid agonist, it was used in hospital and emergency settings to temporarily reverse the dangerous effects of overdose, including sedation, low blood pressure, and potentially fatal respiratory depression. However new outpatient options have recently entered the market, putting this potentially life-saving drug in the hands of the general public.

• Evzio (2014)
  The first FDA-approved naloxone auto-injector available in the U.S., this small, portable device, similar in nature to an Epi-pen, can be used by patients or family members in the event of overdose. (Holds a significantly higher average wholesale price than Narcan and traditional injectables.)
• Narcan (2016)
  A single-dose, ready-to-use nasal spray that requires the patient to be lying on their back for proper administration.

Not a Magic Bullet
Reversing the effects of opioids at the receptor site and blocking further binding, naloxone takes effect in 3 minutes, wearing off in about 30-to-90 minutes depending on the opioid taken. Though it reverses the clinical and toxic effects of overdose, it only displaces opioids for a short time.

Access Expanding
Despite its short-term effects, legislative and regulatory reforms are making naloxone increasingly available nationwide as states struggle to combat the opioid epidemic. Anesthesiologists, PMR physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and pain management specialists are writing the majority of prescriptions for patients undergoing opioid treatment therapies. Civil liability protection has been expanded for First Responders employing its use. Some states have even made naloxone available for sale as an over-the-counter medication.

Turn the Tide
Due to opioid over-prescription and abuse in our country, Naloxone is unfortunately a necessary medication. However, at ANS Solutions, we believe the best way to prevent opioid overdose is by circumnavigating its use with the patient-doctor education and equally effective, scientifically-proven alternative medical treatments that protect the outcome of injured workers, and reduce unnecessary opioid treatments and associated costs. With our medical cost containment strategies, safe, efficacious cost-effective care is possible. Discover more at http://www.ans-solutions.com today.

Sources: http://helioscomp.com/docs/default-source/continuing-education-2016/072816-optum-naloxone-use-in-wc-ce_final.pdf 

Original content posted on http://ans-solutions.com/naloxone-narcan-what-workers-comp-payers-need-to-know/

Landmark Reforms Hoped to Aid New York in the Fight against Opioid Addiction

It is hoped to be a happier new year for Empire State residents suffering from opioid abuse. In a landmark legislative package that took effect January 1st of this year, health insurance plans will now be required to cover treatment services to New Yorkers suffering opioid addiction. In a state plagued by the effects of opioids and heroin, whose overdose death rates are far outpacing nearly every state in the union, legislators are hopeful those grappling with the effects of these drugs can finally gain access to the help they need in overcoming addiction.

The Plan to Expand Access to Opioid Addiction Care

Signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the reforms are expected to remove burdensome treatment access barriers, help expand prevention strategies from within communities, and limit opioid over-prescriptions statewide. What is the governor’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force plan to stamp out abuse?

• Insurance-Related Protections
  • Insurance pre-authorization no longer required for immediate access to inpatient care and (emergency) drug treatment medications when needed.
  • Utilization review (insurance) cannot become involved until after 14 days of uninterrupted treatment.
  • Insurers must use objective, state-approved criteria when making coverage determinations.
  • Opioid-reversal medication coverage is mandated.
  • Requirements apply to small, large group, and individual plans regulated by the DFS.
• Addiction Treatment Services Enhancements
  • Individuals incapacitated by drugs can now receive 72, not 48 hours of emergency treatment and evaluation.
  • Hospitals are now required to provide follow-up service at discharge, connecting at-risk patients with nearby treatment options for continuous care.
  • Trained professionals no longer risk licensure when administering naloxone in emergencies.
  • Wraparound services (legal, support, transportation, childcare) have been expanded to support long-term recovery.
• Community Prevention Strategies
  • Prescription limits reduced from 30 to 7 day supply maximum (with exceptions).
  • Required continuing education for all physicians/prescribers on addiction/pain management.
  • Pharmacists must provide materials on addiction risks and nearby treatment services.
  • Opioid overdoses and overdose medication use must be reported quarterly.

Ensuring Appropriate Treatment Options For Opioid Addiction 

Much like the measures put forth by the state of New York, ANS Solutions’ Pharmacotherapy Review Program strives to uphold appropriate treatment options for patients, offering protection against opioid dangers with a three-stage approach to injury recovery that far-surpasses drug utilization review. Comprehensive and effective, it both protects against unnecessary expenses and safeguards patient treatment outcomes. Utilizing personal, face-to-face communication and integrative case-management methods, over-prescription of dangerous narcotics and potentially deadly drug-to-drug interactions commonly experienced with multiple prescribers can be prevented, success achieved with evidence-based treatment protocols and cemented by written proposal to achieve maximum results.

Don’t stand on the sidelines of the epidemic. Take part in the solution. Reinvent the way you handle claims with the help of ANS Solutions today.

Original content posted on http://ans-solutions.com/landmark-reforms-hoped-to-aid-new-york-in-the-fight-against-opioid-addiction/