Magellan Health Insights
  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
  • Voices
  • Contact

The Importance of Integrated Care in Fighting Opioid Use Disorder

by Caroline Carney, MD May 22, 2018Addiction

The following is an excerpt from an article appearing in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC)

One out of four patients who receive long-term opioid therapy in primary care settings struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD), according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research. While conversations around opioid addiction are beginning to impact physician prescribing patterns, there is still much progress to be made around treatment and recovery solutions for those battling OUD.

One important option that requires greater attention: the need to leverage an integrated team approach in opioid treatment and recovery.

Recent research points to the value of a holistic approach to opioid recovery delivered in a community setting. Such an approach may include relapse prevention medications; group and individual counseling; physician visits for medication management; mental health therapy; and psychiatric treatment for cooccurring disorders. But there are barriers to accessing holistic opioid recovery treatment within the patient’s community. Such barriers can include lack of mental health resources, stigmas associated with certain treatment options, limited availability of specialized providers, difficulties navigating the complexities of substance abuse treatment, and insufficient capacity.

Overcoming the challenges to a holistic approach to opioid recovery is critical to engaging patients safely and comfortably and supporting sustained recovery. The following five elements contribute to a successful integrated approach.

You can read the rest of the article in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC).

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin
Tags: Addiction, addiction crisis, American Journal of Managed Care, Dr. Caroline Carney, Magellan, Magellan Health, Magellan Healthcare, Magellan Rx Management, Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), Opiate, opiate addiction, Opioid, Opioid Addiction Crisis, opioid recovery, opioid treatment, opioid use disorder, Prescribing Opioids
Caroline Carney, MD
Caroline Carney, MD
Dr. Caroline Carney is a board-certified internist and a board-certified psychiatrist. She joined Magellan Health in 2016 and serves as Magellan Health’s Chief Medical Officer, while continuing as chief medical officer for Magellan Rx Management. Her previous experience includes the role of SVP Chief Medical Officer of Magellan Behavioral Health and Magellan Specialty Health. She served as the chief medical officer for regional health plans where she gained experience in Medicaid, Medicare, Exchange, and commercial populations. She has served as the medical director for the Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, helping to launch the Medicaid expansion product as well as the behavioral health transformation for the state’s community mental health services. While in Indiana, she served on the Governor’s Mental Health Commission. She is a frequent speaker about behavioral health services, integrated and collaborative care, and the importance of self-care during the pandemic. Dr. Carney is a published author and co-author for over 100 peer and non-peer reviewed publications focusing on issues surrounding comorbid medical and behavioral health conditions. She was a tenured associate professor of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Indiana University. She started her medical and academic career at the University of Iowa where she earned her medical degree, as well as a master’s degree, and directed the Med-Psych residency program. She continues to engage in regular clinical work through supporting the behavioral health team at a federally qualified health center.
Previous post I am a woman in technology, what is your super power? Next post Mental health vs. mental illness

Related Articles

Mature Latina businesswoman in the financial district in USA

A Passion for Predicting Healthcare Outcomes

by Mudit Maheshwari
September 2, 2020

Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness Mental Health Parity Declaration

by MHI Admin
October 3, 2018
Cropped shot of a content senior woman at home

Coping with isolation during COVID-19

by Varun Choudhary, M.D.
March 24, 2020

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Magellan Health Logo

To learn more about how Magellan can support your organization, please visit MagellanHealth.com.

Topic suggestions or questions?
Send us your ideas at

Connect with us:

Trending Topics

  • A Present Day Look at PTSD
  • Medicine Cabinet Minefield: How old prescriptions drugs are fueling an opioid addiction crisis
  • The Trends and Complexities of Provider-Administered Drugs

Categories

Stay in the Know

Get the latest news and trending insights sent straight to your inbox.


HomeAboutResourcesVoicesContact
© 1999-2016 Magellan Health, Inc. All Rights Reserved.