Medical
services are provided, directly or by referral, according to individual needs.
The organization provides or makes
referrals to medical and psychiatric services for necessary screening and follow-up.
The organization obtains
medication blood levels and conducts other medical and diagnostic
procedures when clinically indicated.
The organization uses opioid treatment medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration in the treatment of opioid addiction.
Interpretation: As of 2003, methadone, levo-acetyl-methadol (LAAM), buprenorphine, and burprenorphine combination are approved as opioid treatment medications in the United States.
Individuals are maintained on opioid treatment medication as long as they desire, and derive benefit from, treatment.
The organization makes referrals for consultation with a specialist in pain medicine for individuals with chronic pain disorder.
Interpretation: Generally, individuals with chronic pain disorder are not admitted to receive opioids only for pain, but there are exceptions if the program is the only available resource in the
community. Individuals with both chronic pain and addiction should receive integrated treatment from appropriate medical specialists.