Philadelphia Medicine Fall 2020 - 5

p h i l a m e d s o c .o rg

Elective surgeries, especially in the greater
Philadelphia region, are starting to tick up,
in our feature this issue. But caution is a
mainstay for outpatient clinics.
We can only hope that the ones who will
make a difference when the vaccine comes
will believe and rely on the tireless work of
the scientists and administrators who are
trying to ensure the American public that
we can be great again - and safe again.
In this issue's column by Catherine
Abrams, treatment of opioid use disorder, or
OUD, with evidence-based medications can
impact the lives of the tens of thousands of
Philadelphians estimated to have OUD by
preventing overdoses, reducing drug-related
comorbidities and supporting patients'
stability and recovery. The Health Federation
of Philadelphia (HFP), in partnership with
the Philadelphia Department of Public

mandated by the DATA 2000 Treatment
Act. This is obtained by taking an 8-hour
waiver training and completing the SAMHSA
Waiver Notification of Intent form (NOI).
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
Unlike treatment with methadone, must take an additional 16 hours, totaling
which can only be prescribed for OUD 24 hours of training, before they are eligible
within a strictly regulated Opioid Treatment to apply.
Program (OTP), buprenorphine is ideal for
We have a lot more in this issue. We
incorporation into primary care practices.
More than 50 community health centers in hope you find it informative. Our magazine
Philadelphia have at least one provider who is just one of many services we provide to
prescribes buprenorphine. Abrams said this is our members.
a great start, but more providers are needed
If you would like to join us, contact our
to treat OUD using the chronic disease
Executive
Director Mark Austerberry at
management model and offer treatment
215-563-5343,
ext. 101, or mausterberry@
with buprenorphine in primary care settings.
philamedsoc.org. *
Providers are required to obtain a waiver
from the Substance Abuse and Mental Dr. Natalia Ortiz-Torrent, President,
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Philadelphia County Medical Society
before they can prescribe buprenorphine as
Health (PDPH), is offering free, high quality
accredited continuing medical education
to help local providers be prepared to help
these patients.

Fall 2020 : Philadelphia Medicine

5
https://philamedsoc.org/ http://jplaw.net
Philadelphia Medicine Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Philadelphia Medicine Fall 2020
