5-2020

When the pandemic hit the epicenter of New York City in mid-March, Nicholas Stavros’ 24-7 clinics across the country were already preparing. “We got in front of this right away,” said Mr. Stavros, CEO of Community Medical Services (CMS), based in Scottsdale, Arizona.  CMS has programs in several states, so keeping up with federal regulatory changes and state-by-state nuances … [Read more...] about How Stavros 24-7 Clinics Handle the Pandemic

When the pandemic hit full force in mid-March, the State Opioid Treatment Authorities (SOTAs) had to move fast. They regulate opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in their respective states, and well knew that many patients had to visit the clinic frequently. “Social distancing” was possible, but “virtual” treatment was not. To get medication, the patients had to be there. Smith … [Read more...] about How the North Carolina SOTA Responded to the Pandemic

Lacking alternative resources, many people with substance use disorders (SUDs) visit emergency departments (EDs), especially after an overdose (OD). This gives care providers an opportunity to provide referrals to treatment for those who need it. But EDs may lack the time and resources to select the patients at highest risk—those who could benefit from intervention. This is … [Read more...] about STUDY: Risk Factors EDs Can Use to Identify Patients With Substance-Related Encounters Who Are at High Risk of Fatal Opioid ODs