Helping patients with drug use disorders
One out of ten adults in Washington needs treatment for a drug use disorder, and for more than half of them, the drug of choice is alcohol. Studies show that when health professionals ask their patients about their alcohol/drug use and explain how misuse affects their health and well-being, people with drug use disorders are much more likely to seek help. Get the necessary care to your patients. Please consider using any of the tools on this site that will help you address your patient need.
Getting a 12 month history of
prescriptions, emergency and other services
In order to provide a comprehensive medical history for you regarding your patients, we have developed a rolling 12-month client medical profile. It includes prescriptions, emergency room usage and other services. To obtain a profile:
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Fax the request and HIPAA forms to 360-753-7315 Attn: Pooji Tran.
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You may use your own release or DSHS release.
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Include on the request: your return fax number with area code, client name and Client ID.
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A best practice would be to have your staff request an Rx history a week before a clinic visit - just like a lab result it's there for a provider/client discussion.
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Medicaid notes a large percent of clients do not pick up their meds before running out. There may be large gaps in compliance. Think about compliance before judging a medication to be ineffective.
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Use the 12 month histories on those clients with the most risk (e.g High narcotic users, frequent ER users, clients seeing many prescribers, clients with positive drug tests and histories of non-compliance).
Medicaid has released a new Opioid Taper Plan Calculator in collaboration with UW pain experts so prescribers can have an easy tool to use to decrease the overuse of opioid analgesics! This new tool makes it easier for prescribers to calculate safe and effective taper plans for Medicaid clients who would benefit from lower opioid doses. Prescribers only need enter the client's current opioid regimen and the tool does all the calculation to create an easy to follow schedule with decreasing opioid doses each week. This tool also calculates Morphine Equivalent Doses (MED) in addition to milligrams every step of the way to keep prescribers appraised of the client's progress toward goal.
Chemical Dependency Treatment
Patients who need alcohol/drug treatment should be referred to the Recovery Helpline to arrange for an assessment, to locate a treatment agency, and to verify that they are eligible for state-funded services.
- Washington Recovery Help Line 24-Hour Referral: 1-866-789-1511
- Patients can also be referred by contacting the county Regional Treatment Administrator Monday-Friday from 8-5
- For help screening patients in need of alcohol/drug treatment, providers can access a Screening and Referral Pocket Card
- Use this link for additional information about chemical dependency
Treatment for Chronic Pain
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Chronic Pain Agreement is a way for providers and patients to agree on the ground rules as they set out to address a patient's chronic pain. Use this form to improve patient understanding and compliance with prescription program.
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Disclosure form in Word and PDF allows providers to access their patient drug treatment and screening records. Without disclosure, providers may find themselves working in the dark.
- Opioid Dosing Guideline The guidelines are
to assist the practitioner in the prescribing
opioids in a safe and effective manner. These
were developed by the Interagency Workgroup on
Practice Guidelines (the Department of Corrections,
Department of Health, Department of Labor and
Industries, Department of Social and Health
Services, and Health Care Authority) in
collaboration with actively practicing physicians
who specialize in pain management. This guideline
does not apply to the treatment of cancer pain or
end-of-life (hospice) care.
You are also urged to consult the
Agency Medical Directors' Group Web site for
additional information.
- FREE Online CME/CE credits available
Curb Abuse and Misuse of Medical Resources
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Patient Review and Coordination Program limits patients to one provider, one pharmacy, and one hospital for emergency care. Phone: 800-562-3022 extension 15606, Fax: 360-725-1969.
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Narcotic Review prior authorization is a process that will require your review of a patient's prescription history before authorization. You, not the agency, determine the medical necessity of the narcotic. You are also able to see what other doctors and ERs are prescribing. A pilot program on drug utilization experienced a 30% reduction in clients with 10 or more scripts per month. To request information or to refer patients for Prior Authorization, Fax (360) 725-2122. Phone: 800-562-3022, Fax: 866-668-1214.
Case Management Resources for Aging and Disabled
The Aging and Disability Services Administration assists children and adults with developmental delays or disabilities, cognitive impairment, chronic illness and related functional disabilities to gain access to needed services and supports by managing a system of long-term care and supportive services that are high quality, cost effective, and responsive to individual needs and preferences.
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Aging and Disability Services Administration: Providers can access a case manager through 1-800-422-3263. More details are at Aging and Disability Services - Find Local Services, Information & Resources. A nearby site includes helpful brochures, booklets, handbooks, and wallet cards at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Library/publications/.
For patients with suspected dual disorders involving chemical dependency and mental illness, referrals can be made to providers in the counties listed below:
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Yakima County: Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health
Referrals can be made by calling Paul Nagle-McNaughton at (509) 575-4084, extension 4237, Monday-Friday 9-5. -
Clark County: Integrated Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Program
Referrals can be made by calling Cindy Stevens at Lifeline Connections, (360) 397-8246 extension 7538, Monday-Friday 9-5.
For comments or questions: Contact Medicaid.
Join the Medicaid e-mail list for providers. It's free, fast, and informative!
Report suspected Medicaid fraud: 1-800-562-6906 HotTips@HCA.wa.govPage modified: May 2012