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Zhu JM, Charlesworth CJ, Stein BD, Drake C, Polsky D, Korthuis PT, McConnell KJ. Composition of buprenorphine prescribing networks in Medicaid and association with quality of care. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 163:209363. [PMID: 38641055 PMCID: PMC11203204 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite Medicaid's outsized role in delivering and financing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), little is known about the extent to which buprenorphine prescriber networks vary across Medicaid health plans, and whether network characteristics affect quality of treatment received. In this observational cross-sectional study, we used 2018-2019 Medicaid claims in Oregon to assess network variation in the numbers and types of buprenorphine prescribers, as well as the association of prescriber and network characteristics with quality of care. METHODS We describe prescribers (MD/DOs and advanced practice providers) of OUD-approved buprenorphine formulations to patients with an OUD diagnosis, across networks. For each patient who initiated buprenorphine treatment during 2018, we assigned a "usual prescriber" and assessed four measures of quality in the 180d following initiation: 1) continuous receipt of buprenorphine; 2) receipt of any behavioral health counseling services; 3) receipt of any urine drug screen; and 4) receipt of any prescription for a benzodiazepine. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine the association of prescriber and network characteristics with quality of buprenorphine care following initiation. RESULTS We identified 645 providers who prescribed buprenorphine to 20,739 eligible Medicaid enrollees with an OUD diagnosis. The composition of buprenorphine prescriber networks varied in terms of licensing type, specialty, and panel size, with the majority of prescribers providing buprenorphine to small panels of patients. In the 180 days following initiation, a third of patients were maintained on buprenorphine; 69.9 % received behavioral health counseling; 88.4 % had a urine drug screen; and 11.3 % received a benzodiazepine prescription. In regression analyses, while no single network characteristic was associated with higher quality across all examined measures, each one unit increase in prescriber-to-enrollee ratio was associated with a 1.18 p.p. increase in the probability of continuous buprenorphine maintenance during the 180 days following initiation (95 % confidence interval = [0.21, 2.15], p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Medicaid plans may be able to leverage their networks to provide higher quality care. Our findings, which should be interpreted as descriptive only, suggest that higher prescriber-to-enrollee ratio is associated with increased buprenorphine maintenance. Future research should focus on isolating the causal relationships between MOUD prescribing network design and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Zhu
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | | | | | - Coleman Drake
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Polsky
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K John McConnell
- Center for Health Systems Effectiveness, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Urmi AF, Britton E, Saunders H, Harrell A, Bachireddy C, Lowe J, Barnes AJ, Cunningham P. Changes in buprenorphine waivered provider supply after Virginia Medicaid implements the addiction and recovery treatment services program and Medicaid expansion. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 157:209213. [PMID: 37981241 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shortages of providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine may limit access to buprenorphine, which studies have shown to be effective in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). OBJECTIVE To examine whether two state Medicaid policies in Virginia-the Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) program in 2017, and Medicaid expansion in 2019-increased the number of buprenorphine waivered providers (BWP) in Virginia, compared to other southern states in the United States that did not expand Medicaid. METHODS The study population includes providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine. We compute the number of BWP per 100,000 people for the study states, overall and for different waiver limits (30, 100 or 275). Using difference-in-difference regression models, we examine changes in BWP rates for Virginia relative to nonexpansion states in the US South between 2015 and 2020. RESULTS The rate of increase in BWP was higher in Virginia after implementation of ARTS and Medicaid expansion (148 %), compared to southern nonexpansion states over the same time period (115 %). Relative to nonexpansion states in the South, BWP with patient limits of 100 or 275 increased by 7 % in Virginia after ARTS implementation in 2017, and by an additional 22 % after Medicaid expansion in 2019 (p < 0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that public policies that expand access to OUD treatment services-including buprenorphine treatment-may also increase the supply of providers authorized to prescribe buprenorphine, helping to alleviate shortages of BWP providers and further increasing access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin Britton
- Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | | | - Ashley Harrell
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, United States of America
| | - Chethan Bachireddy
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, United States of America
| | - Jason Lowe
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, United States of America
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Treitler P, Enich M, Bowden C, Mahone A, Lloyd J, Crystal S. Implementation of an office-based addiction treatment model for Medicaid enrollees: A mixed methods study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 156:209212. [PMID: 37935350 PMCID: PMC10842178 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) but remain underutilized. To reduce barriers to MOUD prescribing and increase treatment access, New Jersey's Medicaid program implemented the Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Program in 2019, which increased reimbursement for office-based buprenorphine prescribing and established newly reimbursable patient navigation services in OBAT clinics. Using a mixed-methods design, this study aimed to describe stakeholder experiences with the OBAT program and to assess implementation and uptake of the program. METHODS This study used a concurrent, triangulated mixed-methods design, which integrated complementary qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (Medicaid claims) data to gain an in-depth understanding of the implementation of the OBAT program. We elicited stakeholder perspectives through interviews with 22 NJ Medicaid MOUD providers and 8 policy key informants, and examined trends in OBAT program utilization using 2019-2020 NJ Medicaid claims for 5380 Medicaid enrollees who used OBAT services. We used cross-case analysis (provider interviews) and a case study approach (key informant interviews) in analyzing qualitative data, and calculated descriptive statistics and trends for quantitative data. RESULTS Provider enrollment and utilization of OBAT services increased steadily during the first two years of program implementation. Interviewees reported that enhanced reimbursements for office-based MOUD incentivized greater MOUD prescribing, while coverage of patient navigation services improved patient care. Despite increasing enrollment in the OBAT program, the proportion of primary care physicians in the state who enrolled in the program remained limited. Key barriers to enrollment included: requirements for a patient navigator; concerns about administrative burdens and reimbursement delays from Medicaid; lack of awareness of the program; and beliefs that patients with OUD were better served in comprehensive care settings. Patient navigation was highlighted as a critical and valuable element of the program, but navigator enrollment and reimbursement challenges may have prevented greater uptake of this service. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of an OBAT model that enhanced reimbursement and provided coverage for patient navigation likely expanded access to MOUD in NJ. Results support initiatives like the OBAT program in improving access to MOUD, but program adaptations, where feasible, could improve uptake and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Treitler
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St. 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America; Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA 02215, United States of America.
| | - Michael Enich
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St. 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America; School of Social Work, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 120 Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America
| | - Cadence Bowden
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St. 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America
| | - Anais Mahone
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St. 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America; School of Social Work, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 120 Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America
| | - James Lloyd
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St. 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson St. 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America; School of Social Work, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 120 Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America; School of Public Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
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Banka-Cullen SP, Comiskey C, Kelly P, Zeni MB, Gutierrez A, Menon U. Nurse prescribing practices across the globe for medication-assisted treatment of the opioid use disorder (MOUD): a scoping review. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:78. [PMID: 37353762 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00812-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths in recent years, global access to treatment remains poor. A major barrier to people accessing Medication-assisted treatment of the opioid use disorder (MOUD) is the lack of providers who can prescribe and monitor MOUD. According to the World Drug Report, more young people are using drugs compared with previous generations and people in need of treatment cannot get it, women most of all. Nurse prescribers have the potential to enhance both access and treatment outcomes. Nurse prescribing practices do, however, vary greatly internationally. The aim of this scoping review is to explore nurse prescribing practices for MOUD globally with a view to informing equitable access and policies for people seeking MOUD. METHODS This scoping review was informed by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic searches from 2010 to date were conducted on the following databases: PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL. Only studies that met the eligibility criteria and described nurse prescribing policies and/or behaviours for MOUD were included. RESULTS A total of 22 articles were included in the review which found several barriers and enablers to nurse prescribing of MOUD. Barriers included legislation constraints, lack of professional education and training and the presence of stigmatizing attitudes. Enablers included the presence of existing supportive services, prosocial messaging, and nurse prescriber autonomy. CONCLUSION The safety and efficacy of nurse prescribing of MOUD is well established, and its expansion can provide a range of advantages to people who are dependent on opiates. This includes increasing access to treatment. Nurse prescribing of MOUD can increase the numbers of people in treatment from 'hard to reach' cohorts such as rural settings, or those with less financial means. It holds significant potential to reduce a wide range of harms and costs associated with high-risk opiate use. To reduce drug-related death and the global burden of harm to individuals, families, and communities, there is an urgent need to address the two key priorities of nurse prescriber legislation and education. Both of which are possible given political and educational commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Comiskey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Kelly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Ana Gutierrez
- Health College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Usha Menon
- Health College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
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Treitler P, Nowels M, Samples H, Crystal S. Buprenorphine Utilization and Prescribing Among New Jersey Medicaid Beneficiaries After Adoption of Initiatives Designed to Improve Treatment Access. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2312030. [PMID: 37145594 PMCID: PMC10163388 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Buprenorphine is underutilized as a treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD); state policies may improve buprenorphine access and utilization. Objective To assess buprenorphine prescribing trends following New Jersey Medicaid initiatives designed to improve access. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional interrupted time series analysis included New Jersey Medicaid beneficiaries who were prescribed buprenorphine and had 12 months continuous Medicaid enrollment, OUD diagnosis, and no Medicare dual eligibility, as well as physician or advanced practitioners who prescribed buprenorphine to Medicaid beneficiaries. The study used Medicaid claims data from 2017 to 2021. Exposure Implementation of New Jersey Medicaid initiatives in 2019 that removed prior authorizations, increased reimbursement for office-based OUD treatment, and established regional Centers of Excellence. Main Outcomes and Measures Rate of buprenorphine receipt per 1000 beneficiaries with OUD; percentage of new buprenorphine episodes lasting at least 180 days; buprenorphine prescribing rate per 1000 Medicaid prescribers, overall and by specialty. Results Of 101 423 Medicaid beneficiaries (mean [SD] age, 41.0 [11.6] years; 54 726 [54.0%] male; 30 071 [29.6%] Black, 10 143 [10.0%] Hispanic, and 51 238 [50.5%] White), 20 090 filled at least 1 prescription for buprenorphine from 1788 prescribers. Policy implementation was associated with an inflection point in buprenorphine prescribing trend; after implementation, the trend increased by 36%, from 1.29 (95% CI, 1.02-1.56) prescriptions per 1000 beneficiaries with OUD to 1.76 (95% CI, 1.46-2.06) prescriptions per 1000 beneficiaries with OUD. Among beneficiaries with new buprenorphine episodes, the percentage retained for at least 180 days was stable before and after initiatives were implemented. The initiatives were associated with an increase in the growth rate of buprenorphine prescribers (0.43 per 1000 prescribers; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.51 per 1000 prescribers). Trends were similar across specialties, but increases were most pronounced among primary care and emergency medicine physicians (eg, primary care: 0.42 per 1000 prescribers; 95% CI, 0.32-0.53 per 1000 prescribers). Advanced practitioners accounted for a growing percentage of buprenorphine prescribers, with a monthly increase of 0.42 per 1000 prescribers (95% CI, 0.32-0.52 per 1000 prescribers). A secondary analysis to test for changes associated with non-state-specific secular trends in prescribing found that quarterly trends in buprenorphine prescriptions increased in New Jersey relative to all other states following initiative implementation. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of state-level New Jersey Medicaid initiatives designed to expand buprenorphine access, implementation was associated with an upward trend in buprenorphine prescribing and receipt. No change was observed in the percentage of new buprenorphine treatment episodes lasting 180 or more days, indicating that retention remains a challenge. Findings support implementation of similar initiatives but highlight the need for efforts to support long-term retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Treitler
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Molly Nowels
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Hillary Samples
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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Spetz J, Hailer L, Gay C, Tierney M, Schmidt LA, Phoenix B, Chapman SA. Buprenorphine Treatment: Advanced Practice Nurses Add Capacity. Health Aff (Millwood) 2022; 41:1231-1237. [PMID: 36067440 PMCID: PMC11062238 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was slower growth in the number of new waivers authorizing clinicians to provide buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. However, treatment capacity grew at a stable rate as a result of already authorized clinicians obtaining waivers for larger patient panels. Advanced practice nurses accounted for the largest portion of capacity growth during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Spetz
- Joanne Spetz , University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Caryl Gay
- Caryl Gay, University of California San Francisco
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