Moderator: Gary Enos, MS, Editor, Addiction Professional

CE Certified By: AMA,AAFP,AAFP,ANCC,APA

Historically, the delivery of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment has occurred outside of the traditional healthcare system. Misconception and stigma surrounding this chronic disease have resulted in limited access to, and lack of insurance coverage for, evidence-based medical treatments. In some instances, this gap has been filled with treatment approaches that lack significant evidence, resulting in poor outcomes and significant costs for patients and families seeking help for SUDs. Science has shown that evidence-based treatments for SUD can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of overdose. Yet, only one in ten people in the United States with an SUD receive any form treatment. How then, are families, payers and policymakers to recognize and support quality SUD treatment?

The SUD Treatment Task Force, a national public-private partnership, is taking on this challenge. The group, which includes representatives from across the insurance industry working in consultation with subject matter experts, is working to develop and implement a strategic plan to ensure alignment with evidence-based principles for quality SUD treatment. This session will provide an overview of the principles and describe the task force’s efforts to raise the standard of SUD treatment to the highest quality through payer-driven solutions. These strategies may include changes in reimbursement, coverage, certification or other innovative programs.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Identify the general principles of quality substance use disorder treatment.
- Discuss how payer-driven reform can improve the quality of substance use disorder care.
- Explain the SUD Treatment Task Force’s strategic plan, including baseline assessments by payers and plans to implement policy changes and their potential impact.