Doctors treating opioid addicts have new avenue for advice
EDMONTON – Doctors in Alberta who treat patients with opioid addictions will soon have access to a new expert consultation phone service.
According to Alberta Health Services, beginning August 8, physicians and prescribers will be able to consult an opioid dependence specialist for advice on prescribing drugs such as naloxone and methadone.
“Primary care physicians without experience treating this group of patients often face challenges and require additional guidance. As a result, patients are typically referred to emergency departments or special clinics rather than receiving care with their family doctor,” says
Dr. Michael Trew, Medical Lead, Addiction and Mental Health Special Projects with AHS.
The consultation will be on a pilot project basis through February 2018. Callers will receive a follow up as soon as possible from one of the four physicians working in Edmonton or Calgary at local opioid dependency program clinics.