Oregon Authorities Consider Limiting Opioid Prescriptions



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A proposed modification of the state's Medicaid program aims to reduce over-prescription of opioids, which has caused an overdose epidemic, according to Oregon officials.

The proposal would limit the coverage of five major chronic pain to 90 days of opioids.

It would also reduce the number of patients taking long-term opioids in less than a year

. "Chronic pain sufferers face debilitating conditions that affect the quality of life, but we are facing this important epidemic of opioids where we know that there is a lot of abuse and overprescription, "said Dr. Dana Hargunani, Chief Medical Officer. for the Oregon Health Authority. "We are trying to use evidence to guide us, but we really appreciate public participation in the process."

Many chronic pain patients expressed opposition to the proposal, but alternative treatments did not work not for everyone – the decision to limit opioid medications should be made by physicians and not by a government agency.

Currently, the Oregon Health Authority does not cover treatments for fibromyalgia, pain syndrome chronic, chronic pain caused by trauma According to the government agency, many patients suffering from these disorders receive opioids.As the agency has no way of knowing if patients are prescribed these medications for chronic pain problems or for a covered service, they may not simply refuse to cover these prescriptions.

au li As a result, they plan to cover alternative treatments such as yoga, acupuncture or physical therapy, while reducing the Steve Hix, a 50-year-old Albany, who was almost completely bedridden with injuries to the spine and back, pushed the pain to participate in a demonstration against the proposed restrictions on opioids outside the government agency Salem. This month.

"I am very sad for the people who lost their lives," Hix said. "But what does this have to do with me?"

Chronic Pain Patients Plan to Report Their Concerns to a Subcommittee on the Benefits of the Evidence Review Board Medical Council, which will consider the proposal at its meeting on August 9. [ad_2]
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