Opioid Resources

Addressing the opioid epidemic affecting our communities requires a multifaceted approach in the health care system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Although national opioid dispensing rates for prescription opioids have trended downward recently, prescription opioids continue to contribute to opioid-related deaths
The opioid dispensing rate can vary widely between counties, highlighting challenges that may be seen in rural areas

We are committed to helping end this epidemic. Below is information about our controlled substance programs and other resources to aid your patients.

Risk Identification and Outreach
Our RIO team is a multidisciplinary collaboration that focuses on organizing actionable data for at-risk member populations and implementing clinically appropriate and effective interventions at both the member and provider levels.

Select cohorts of the program are focused on members at high risk of adverse events from opioids.
- Case management provides members with resources and education they can use to complement their pain treatment
- Outreach to providers is intended to foster a collaborative relationship between provider, member and payor and may include contact by letter, email, fax and phone
The RIO Outlier Opioid Prescriber program assesses opioid prescribing practices and collaborates with prescribers to encourage education and optimization of pain management. Reports are available on request.

If you have any questions or want additional information, email the RIO team.
Additional Resources

Related Resources:

1. Gudin JA, et al. Risks, Management, and Monitoring of Combination Opioid, Benzodiazepines, and/or Alcohol Use. Postgrad Med. 2013 Jul; 125(4): 115 130. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4057040/

2. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning. (2016, August 31). Retrieved November 15, 2016, from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm518473.htm

3. SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. The DAWN Report: Benzodiazepines in Combination with Opioid Pain Relievers or Alcohol: Greater Risk of More Serious ED Visit Outcomes. (2014, December 18). Rockville, MD.

The foregoing material is for informational purposes only and is not a representation or warranty with respect to the suitability of any drug or treatment for a particular diagnosis or patient, nor is it a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a health care provider. Health care providers are instructed to use their own best medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining a course of treatment which remains the provider's sole responsibility. Regardless of any benefit or coverage determination, the final decision regarding any drug or treatment is between the patient and the health care provider.

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Opioid Resources

Risk Identification and Outreach

Additional Resources