Since the emergence of COVID-19, treating patients struggling with alcohol and opioid addiction has become more difficult. Between appointment-related obstacles and a surge in substance abuse disorders during the pandemic, healthcare professionals face a growing number of challenges. From maintaining clinical records to tracking methadone inventory, to processing claims, the goal of delivering a “whole patient” approach recommended by the AMA has become more complex.
If you are seeking an efficient way to integrate your clinical care records with your medication dispensing, then contact us at TenEleven Group. Our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) software module is a user-friendly solution to record-keeping and medication-dispensing woes. Below is a look at the need for MAT software and the specific benefits you will enjoy upon introducing our software.
Why is the need for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) software greater than ever?
“More than 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related mortality as well as ongoing concerns for those with a mental illness or substance use disorder. In addition to the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the nation’s opioid epidemic has grown into a much more complicated and deadly drug overdose epidemic.” – American Medical Association (AMA)
There are four key factors driving the growing need for MAT software. They are as follows:
1) The increased incidence of alcohol and opioid addiction
The incidence of alcohol and opioid addiction in America has skyrocketed since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased volume of people battling substance abuse disorders calls for more treatment options and solutions.
2) A disruption of care during COVID-19
Health care providers point to a disruption in care for patients with pain disorders and opioid use disorder as a significant factor contributing to an increase in opioid-related deaths. Medication-Assisted Treatments must be a key focus for behavioral health providers in a post-COVID worked.
3) Adjustments to methadone dispensing policies
In addition to the increased incidence of alcohol and opioid addiction, physicians and methadone dispensing agents had to quickly adapt to changes to methadone dispensing policies. Fostering patient compliance with medication-assisted treatments became more challenging with reduced face-to-face interactions and a higher number of no-shows.
4) The need to integrate all aspects of care
The American Psychological Association (APA) and American Medical Association (AMA) both recommend a “whole person” approach when treating alcohol and opioid addiction. MAT software was developed to foster continuity of care and help ensure that physicians and medication dispensers are able to deliver a unified approach that involves medication and therapy.
What are the benefits of a MAT software module for treating alcohol and opioid addiction?
Clearly, the need for medication assisted treatments is on the rise. While offering MAT is an excellent first step in combating alcohol and opioid addiction, it’s important to adopt an organized, efficient treatment approach – especially if you are treating more patients with substance abuse disorders. Here are some of the many ways MAT software modules facilitate treatment of alcohol and opioid addiction:
1) Improved methadone administration
The path to secure MAT for alcohol and opioid addiction begins with the patient. Capturing the patient’s appearance, history, and medication usage is vital to ensuring that methadone is not administered to the wrong person or using the incorrect dosage. Among the many features of our MAT software module is the storage of a picture of the patient along with their demographics. Module users also have fast access to standing orders and the patient’s dispensing history.
2) Efficient medication distribution
The Methadone Dispensing Module is designed to make medication distribution much faster, easier, and more organized. Health care professionals are able to dispense medication in a single click and can receive real-time inventory figures immediately. Transfer bottle options and daily dosage estimates are also available.
3) Seamless clinical integration
Treating the whole patient becomes easier with the complete Methadone Dispensing Module. The physician authorizes the order into the patient’s chart, which is connected directly to the dispensing module. This promotes seamless integration between clinical and dispensing staff, while facilitating swift retrieval of the following details:
- The patient’s medication history
- Their methadone dispensing schedule
- Missed appointments
- Tapering plans
4) Simplified billing and claims processing
Our MAT software module simplifies billing and claims processing by generating one claim with multiple charges for each client. Claims are generated once weekly to streamline the process and help claims processing staff organize their efforts. Examples of charges include private insurance, Medicaid, methadone charges, and claim adjudication charges.
5) A more organized client chart
The eCR™ chart provides physicians, methadone dispensing teams, and claims processors easy real-time access to the patient’s medication history, appointment details, and treatment schedules. With this key information organized in a central location within the patient’s eCR™ chart, retrieval of documents becomes much easier. Irregularities and issues that can slow claims processing can also be spotted more quickly.
6) Improved safety and compliance
Our Methadone Dispensing Module was developed with a focus on patient safety and compliance with industry standards. For example, providers can quickly confirm a patient’s identity with an on-screen photo before they dispense medication. Human error is also reduced. For instance, patients are prevented from accidentally receiving medication before they talk to their healthcare provider about the medication.
The key to a positive experience with our new software is to schedule a complimentary demo to make sure your team is comfortable with its many features and benefits. For ideal results, be sure that all prospective users within your organization are able to see how the module will help make their jobs easier.
Finally, remember that patients will also ultimately benefit from your introduction of the module. After all, if you are able to save time and improve your record-keeping, your healthcare team will be able to focus more on helping patients overcome their alcohol and opioid addiction. Schedule a demo with one of our product specialists to learn more.
