decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2015 Issue 6 (June)
Avoid pain drug trouble by spotting, counseling drug-seeking patients
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Article Overview
This compliance-focused article explains how clinicians and practice staff can identify possible drug-seeking behavior, respond consistently, and connect patients to appropriate help. It is aimed at medical practices that prescribe controlled substances, especially opioids, and it addresses general protocols, staff roles, documentation awareness, state prescription monitoring resources, patient communication, family involvement, and referral to pain or addiction specialists. The article also notes legal and malpractice concerns that can arise when opioid prescribing is poorly controlled.
Why This Topic Matters
Prescribing controlled substances can create patient-safety, compliance, and liability risks for practices. This article helps readers understand the broader operational and clinical issues involved in handling suspected drug-seeking behavior without disclosing the article’s detailed advice.
Article Sections
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Compliance
Introduces the compliance and liability context for opioid prescribing and the need for practice protocols when drug-seeking behavior is suspected.
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Assess drug-seeking patients
Covers general approaches for recognizing possible drug-seeking behavior, staff roles, use of state monitoring resources, and preparing provider responses.
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How to help patients with drug problems
Discusses broader ways practices may respond when a substance-use issue is suspected, including communication, family involvement, and referral considerations.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames compliance concerns related to opioid prescribing
- What types of practice-level processes are discussed for responding to suspected drug-seeking behavior
- Which general resources and referral pathways are mentioned for patients with possible drug problems
- How the article relates patient safety, documentation awareness, and provider communication to controlled-substance prescribing
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Pain management clinicians
- Primary care practices
- Emergency medicine clinicians
- Orthopedic practices
- Compliance staff
- Practice managers
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