Opioid deaths have surged across the United States during the spread of the coronavirus pandemic; the strict lockdown measures have put many Americans out of work and taken away patients from necessary medical and mental health care.
Hospitals are changing mindsets and approach to battle the opioid epidemic
Healthcare providers and hospitals are changing their approaches to treat pain and addiction. They are implementing new prescription guidelines, creating personalized systems of care and addressing addiction as a disease rather than a moral failing.
CMS expands telehealth coverage for treatment of opioid abuse disorder
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will have new reimbursement codes for care providers who utilize telehealth to treat opioid abuse patients. As part of the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule, CMS is adding three CPT codes that will allow providers to bill Medicare for telehealth services included in bundled episodes of care for opioid abuse treatment, including care delivered to the home.
Untreated behavioral health conditions are a matter of concern?
A survey conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2017 revealed that, the estimated 56.9 million US adults with a behavioral health condition, 7 out of 10 or 39.7 million adults don’t receive treatment for their conditions.
FDA plans to leverage data analytics and updated policies to combat opioid abuse
The FDA plans to put in more efforts to address opioid abuse in 2019 by utilizing data analytics, enhancing research and innovation.