Breaking Barriers: New Rules to Improve Opioid Treatment Coordination
Health and human services secretary Alex Azar says the proposal will maintain privacy protections for people receiving addiction treatment through federally funded programs.
Imagine facing a health crisis where your doctors can't fully communicate with each other about your treatment. That's the reality for many dealing with opioid addiction. This episode of the Battling Opioids podcast dives into a game-changing proposal by federal health officials. They want to revamp confidentiality rules to make it easier for medical professionals to share a patient's drug treatment history, while still keeping privacy protections in place.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar explains how this change could significantly improve care for those battling addiction. But that's not all. The episode also shines a light on Geisinger, a healthcare organization making strides in both prevention and treatment of opioid addiction. Over the past three years, they've slashed their opioid prescriptions and opened four medication-assisted treatment centers across Pennsylvania.
Through engaging discussions and expert insights, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis. It's a must-listen for anyone affected by or interested in understanding this pressing issue.