AMA, NCMS, Manatt: Study of NC reversing opioid epidemic

A new report today by the American Medical Association (AMA), North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), and Manatt Health shows North Carolina is adopting life-saving strategies to combat the opioid epidemic.

The report, based on data, a review of policies and discussions with key policy makers, points to policies that have helped patients with opioid use disorder, including:  

• Increasing access to medication assisted treatment (MAT). The state Medicaid program and leading commercial payers have improved treatment opportunities for patients by making more available MAT, the evidence-based treatment prescribed by a physician. This was accomplished by eliminating administrative barriers, known as prior authorization, that require physicians to get approval before providing treatment. Expanding Medicaid would help thousands more patients access evidence-based care.