We have all heard the phrase, “the flavor of the moment,” which can be roughly translated into one of my favorites, “people buy what is familiar.” COVID-19 is what is familiar to the world at this time. Regretfully the opioid crisis which was front and center before Covid and was taking the lives of 130 Americans per day, has taken a distant back burner in many regions of this country. One grim Covid statistic that I would bet anyone reading this is unfamiliar with is 81,003 deaths. That is the number of people who died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending June 2020. How many of the relentless talking heads mentioned this over the last year? Stress, isolation, and economic hardship are the perfect ingredients for the optimal breeding ground for those with addiction/abuse habits.
Changing Treatments
Our focus rightfully has been on the pandemic, however losing sight of other major issues, can and do, create a slippery slope none of us would like to walk. Our toxicology division saw a decrease in the amount of testing ordered during a time we know abuse rose. As many facilities switched to online visits no one figured out how to get a urine sample over the internet. Without appropriate monitoring of the medications through testing many providers chose or were forced to change treatment regimens. Although not done purposefully, this change created a negative effect on many of those with addictive tendencies.
Navigating Restrictions After COVID-19
As we dig out of the hole COVID-19 created, our focus can once again be appropriately diversified to address issues such as addiction and abuse. We can get back to appropriately testing those with such issues as well as pain patients who are on an opioid regimen. It is our job in the toxicology division of our lab to assist providers who order drug testing. As insurances continue to place more restrictions on testing it is imperative relevant testing along with accurate documentation is consistently done. Since CMS developed the tier system over 90 percent of insurance companies have adopted this method of determining how and what they pay for drug testing. Although we will never tell a provider how or what to test, we can certainly guide you on the most current policies on what is considered usual and customary as far as drug testing is concerned.
Part of the Toolkit
We work on the premise that drug testing is just another tool in the provider’s toolbox used to assist them in making pertinent medical decisions in the treatment of their patients. Contrary to what many think drug testing is not an attempt to “catch” the patient doing something wrong. Used correctly the information obtained benefits both the patient and the provider in continued treatment. We are here to help you navigate this sensitive and at times controversial, practice of drug testing.
As always we thank you for your trust in us. If we can help you or your patients in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out.