While the concept of pain management has been around for centuries, the current practice of this specialty looks far different than it did even a decade ago. A variety of public and private sector forces have recently had a dramatic impact on pain management and will likely shape it for years to come. These include measures at both the state and federal level put in place to address the opioid epidemic, ranging from e-prescribing mandates to reporting requirements, as well as payer-driven programs.

Few people would argue that increased regulation was not needed in this area given the current crisis. However, there are still patients with legitimate, severe pain that may be helped by a strictly controlled treatment plan that includes opioids. Physicians treating these individuals must maintain a difficult balancing act of serving the best interest of these patients while also protecting their practice. The amount of information physicians must take into account while making these types of treatment decisions—in the form of regulations, clinical guidelines and payer requirements—is truly unprecedented.

As prescribing becomes more difficult, some physicians have found value in leveraging their relationship with specialty pharmacies, especially as they manage patients on complex medications for serious conditions like cancer. A new white paper from Avella Specialty Pharmacy details just how these collaborations are poised to improve quality for patients, while also helping care providers manage the risks inherent in today’s complex prescribing environment.

This informative white paper will provide evidence-based details on the following topics and trends:

• The evolution and key drivers of today’s increasingly restrictive prescribing landscape, including the opioid epidemic and its aftermath.
• Public and private efforts to curb opioid abuse and prescribing including the state-by-state variation in these models.
• The approval of therapies designed to curb opioid abuse such as buprenorphine and naloxone.
• The current drug classification in the US and recent shifts (e.g. hydrocodone moved from schedule III to schedule II in 2015).
• The role of specialty pharmacies on the pain management patient’s care team.
• How collaboration between industry partners is positively impacting patients.
• The rigorous quality standards used by specialty pharmacies like Avella to safeguard pain management patients.

By 2015, the US experienced a record number of drug overdoses. More than 22,000 of these involved prescription opioids, equivalent to about 62 deaths per day. As a result, there has never been a better time to discuss the important factors to consider when balancing the legitimate need for pain management while preventing opioid misuse.

Check out the following resources to learn how Avella works with our pain management patients and providers to provide the highest level of care:

• Addiction Management Treatment Resources
• Pain and Addiction Mobile App for Providers
• Prior Authorization Support

At Avella, we strive to deliver excellence beyond patient medication. We aim to provide valuable insights, helpful resources and industry information to better serve the overall healthcare system.