Public Comment Period – Thursday January 2nd

We will be holding a policy meeting on Jan. 2nd at 4 pm where we will be discussing Communicating Diagnostic Test Results and Time Critical Information to Patients and Practitioners, Clinical Experience Assessments and more. There will be time for the public to comment on any of these policies. Learn More

Social Support Services

Physicians who take the initiative to connect their patients with social services play a critical role in addressing the root causes of poor health. Housing stability, food insecurity, limited access to transportation, and mental health services are common barriers that significantly impact health outcomes. By identifying these issues and linking patients to appropriate support systems, healthcare providers can foster long-term health improvements, enhance patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system. Learn about These Services

Resources and Guidance for Practitioners and Pain Patients Following a Practitioner Restriction

The recent restriction of Dr. Sjardo Steneker may limit or curtail patients’ access to care. As a result, the WMC anticipates a potential increase in patients seeking medications, including those used to treat chronic pain, and new healthcare providers. Continue Reading

For Chronic Pain Patients

There are no absolute limits on Morphine Equivalent Dose (MED) for pain management. Your prescriber, whether an MD or physician assistant, has the flexibility to prescribe above the suggested MED guidelines if they believe it is necessary for your treatment. If they do prescribe above these guidelines, they must document the reasons in your medical record to ensure the decision is well-supported and meets your specific needs.

If an MD or PA prescribes a daily dosage of 120 mg MED or more, they are required to consult with a pain management specialist unless exempted by certain provisions. This consultation may involve an office visit, a remote or in-person discussion between the specialist and the MD or PA, an audio-visual evaluation with the patient present, or other approved chronic pain evaluation services. Each consultation must be documented in the patient's medical record by the MD or PA.

Additionally, there are no tapering requirements in rule for MDs or PAs, allowing your provider to make individualized treatment decisions based on your specific circumstances.

From The FAQ Page

Q: What is the “Inappropriate Treatment of Pain”

A: The rules for prescribing opioids state, “The inappropriate treatment of pain is a departure from standards of practice.” For the purpose of these rules that includes:

• Nontreatment;
• Undertreatment;
• Overtreatment, and;
• The continued use of ineffective treatments.
  Read More on the FAQ Page