Increase Access to Non-Pharma Therapies

 

Impactful Federal, State, and Local Policies

Federal policy has not been developed to coordinate care across disciplines and to increase access to nonpharmacologic care. Improving state and territorial to state and territorial systems could help reduce opioid use. There are a few state Medicaid policy initiatives aimed at increasing access to effective nonpharmacologic therapies as a first-line treatment option for pain conditions. See Promising Practices section below.

Available Tools and Resources

SAFE Project:

• SAFE Veterans provides services to connect veterans, active-duty service members, and their families — all military-connected individuals — to the resources they need to address mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
• SAFE Workplaces provides employers and employees, alike, with the tools and resources necessary to address issues of behavioral health and achieve emotional wellbeing in the workplace.
• See the wiki titled "Expand and Enhance Chronic Pain Prevention and Management" for more detailed information on reducing unnecessary opioid prescriptions and increasing access to alternative/non-opioid pain management methods.

The Joint Commission works with over 20,000 healthcare organizations in more than 70 countries. It has published a 2-page fact sheet titled "Non-pharmacologic and non-opioid solutions for pain management." The Joint Commission has also published "Pain Assessment and Management Standards for Hospitals" which has guidance on leadership, performance improvement, medical staff, and provision of care, treatment, and services.

MyStrength helps fill the gap between generalized pain management and prescription opioid use through education, encouragement, and evidence-based pain management tools. MyStrength, Inc. is a recognized leader and one of the fastest-growing digital behavioral health companies in the US. MyStrength enhances traditional care models while addressing issues of cost, lack of access, and stigma in order to deliver mental health and well-being resources at scale. The platform targets the most prevalent and costly behavioral health conditions, empowering consumers with innovative self-care resources to manage and overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and chronic pain. MyStrength collaborates with over 100 health plans, community behavioral health centers, integrated health systems, and accountable care organizations.