The American Medical Association (AMA) has called on Maryland as well as 40 other states to address the increase in opioid overdoses as the national numbers have reported an uptick as compared to last year. In a news release, the AMA wrote that the majority of the country is experiencing “increases in opioid-related mortality as well as ongoing concerns for those with a mental illness or substance use disorder.” It is quite possible that this rebound can be linked to the current coronavirus climate which has brought with it increased feelings of anxiety, stress, isolation and loss.
Amidst these concerns, MedChi continues to address the opioid crisis in a number of ways. The MedChi Opioid Committee provides physicians with tools for recognizing risk factors, screening patients for signs of addiction, and guidelines for prescribing. The Committee also looks at alternative options such as scientifically-based non-opioid treatments.
Recently MedChi entered into a special collaboration with Baltimore-based Patient Premier which will give Maryland physicians access to Pain Scored, a unique remote monitoring solution.
Patient Premier’s Pain Scored is a mobile platform for pain management. The Pain Scored Service (www.painscored.com) provides standardized measurements of pain, activity, and mental health over specific time points in between doctor visits. The data is collected, interpreted and evaluated with the reports being used by healthcare providers to make better treatment decisions using evidence-based data. Pain Scored can be thought of as a two-way (patient and physician facing) “pain diary” that helps patients take charge of their whole health in collaboration with their providers.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) allows practices to better track patient care, monitor therapeutic benefit, and identify problems before they become serious. In this time of rising opioid use and opioid-related mortality, the Pain Scored solution is both timely and essential.
MedChi – The Maryland State Medical Society.
As the statewide professional association for licensed
physicians, we are dedicated to our mission to serve as
Maryland’s foremost advocate and resource for physicians,
their patients, and the public health.
Gene M. Ransom III
CEO MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society