Did Not Bring In Confirmation of Counseling
One of the requirements for prescribing Suboxone to patients with opiate dependency is that regular counseling is provided. That requirement con be met by seeing a licensed substance abuse counselor, attending NA or AA meeting or a program such as Celebrate Recover or any combination of the above.
The minimum is at least 2 episodes per month is required for me to continue treatment. Please note, this is the minimum, obviously more frequent counseling is associated with improved changes of getting clean and remaining clean.
I give patients a sign-in sheet to get signed when they attend the above activities. This provides written proof and documentation of the patient’s complying with the treatment required.
If a patient does not bring in the documentation of counseling, I will give a prescription for one week of medication and schedule an appointment one week out.
At the next appointment, if the patient brings in the appropriate documentation, I will give a refill of medication for one month with the next appointment being scheduled one month out.
If the patient does not bring in proof of attending counseling, the patient will continue to be scheduled for weekly visits until proof of counselling (two separate episodes) is brought in. After that time, the patient will be scheduled for a one month follow up appointment.
If the patient has been to four weekly appointments and still not brought in the documentation of counseling, a decision will be made if I will continue to treat this patient or discharge the patient from care.
In any six month period the patient has two or more episodes of not complying with counseling or bringing in documentation, an assessment will be made if I will be willing to continue to treat this patient or discharge the patient from care.
The minimum is at least 2 episodes per month is required for me to continue treatment. Please note, this is the minimum, obviously more frequent counseling is associated with improved changes of getting clean and remaining clean.
I give patients a sign-in sheet to get signed when they attend the above activities. This provides written proof and documentation of the patient’s complying with the treatment required.
If a patient does not bring in the documentation of counseling, I will give a prescription for one week of medication and schedule an appointment one week out.
At the next appointment, if the patient brings in the appropriate documentation, I will give a refill of medication for one month with the next appointment being scheduled one month out.
If the patient does not bring in proof of attending counseling, the patient will continue to be scheduled for weekly visits until proof of counselling (two separate episodes) is brought in. After that time, the patient will be scheduled for a one month follow up appointment.
If the patient has been to four weekly appointments and still not brought in the documentation of counseling, a decision will be made if I will continue to treat this patient or discharge the patient from care.
In any six month period the patient has two or more episodes of not complying with counseling or bringing in documentation, an assessment will be made if I will be willing to continue to treat this patient or discharge the patient from care.
