Medical Providers

An Action Plan for Strengthening Mental Health and the Prevention of Suicide in the Aftermath of COVID-19

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention launched the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19 steering committee of public and private sector leaders developed six priorities and related actions in order to foster a comprehensive and impactful response to the significant mental health and suicide prevention needs associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nation’s Mental Health is Suffering Due to COVID-19 How Can Our Leaders and Partners Help?

This infographics highlights the six priorities and related actions developed by the The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention launched the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19 to foster a comprehensive and impactful response to the significant mental health and suicide prevention needs associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

ProviderBridge.org

Provider Bridge is a platform that will streamline the process for mobilizing health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies. Utilizing communications pathways and new technology, Provider Bridge will make it easier to connect health care professionals with state agencies and health care entities in order to quickly increase access to care for patients via telehealth.

Anti-Stigma Toolkit: Guide to Reducing Addiction-Related Stigma

This resource provides practical information about a variety of approaches to prevent addiction-related stigma. Some are especially simple and can be initiated by individuals on their own. These include tips on using stigma-free language and writing letters to the editor. Some approaches are comprehensive, such as developing a community action group and implementing a community-based campaign.

Stigma, Drugs, and Policy: How Language Drives Change

Language matters when it comes to treating substance use disorders (SUD). Stigma has been proven to have a negative impact on health outcomes, not only leading many individuals with SUD to not seek treatment, but also influencing how health professionals treat their patients. Using non-stigmatizing, person-centered, and recovery-oriented language can help providers facilitate engagement in treatment for individuals with SUD.

Office-Based Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment Billing

In the Calender Year 2020 Physician Fee Schedule final rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services included new coding and payment for a monthly bundle of services for the treatment of opioid use disorder that includes overall management, care coordination, individual and group psychotherapy, substance use counseling, and add-on code for additional counseling. This is a way for clinicians to bill for a group of services in the office setting similar to the services covered under the Opioid Treatment Program benefit for clinics.

Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP)

Starting January 1, 2020, under the Calendar Year (CY) 2020 Physician Fee Schedule final rule the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will pay Opioid Treatment Programs through bundled payments for opioid use disorder treatment services in an episode of care provided to people with Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance).