The Importance of Integrated Care in Fighting Opioid Use Disorder
The following is an excerpt from an article appearing in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC)
One out of four patients who receive long-term opioid therapy in primary care settings struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD), according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research. While conversations around opioid addiction are beginning to impact physician prescribing patterns, there is still much progress to be made around treatment and recovery solutions for those battling OUD.
One important option that requires greater attention: the need to leverage an integrated team approach in opioid treatment and recovery.
Recent research points to the value of a holistic approach to opioid recovery delivered in a community setting. Such an approach may include relapse prevention medications; group and individual counseling; physician visits for medication management; mental health therapy; and psychiatric treatment for cooccurring disorders. But there are barriers to accessing holistic opioid recovery treatment within the patient’s community. Such barriers can include lack of mental health resources, stigmas associated with certain treatment options, limited availability of specialized providers, difficulties navigating the complexities of substance abuse treatment, and insufficient capacity.
Overcoming the challenges to a holistic approach to opioid recovery is critical to engaging patients safely and comfortably and supporting sustained recovery. The following five elements contribute to a successful integrated approach.
You can read the rest of the article in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC).
Dr. Caroline Carney is the chief executive officer of Magellan Health, a leader in managing the fastest-growing, most complex areas of health, including special populations, and offering an insightful portfolio of broad solutions focused on population health, condition management and meeting the specific needs of our clients. She is responsible for Magellan’s strategic direction and overall growth, as well as the development and operational execution of the Company’s business strategy.
Dr. Carney joined Magellan Health as a clinical leader in 2016 and became chief medical officer of Magellan Health in 2020. She later took on the additional role of president of the behavioral health business in 2022.
In previous clinical leadership roles at Magellan Health, Dr. Carney served as the Chief Medical Officer for Magellan Rx Management where she led the development of patient-centered clinical programs, quality, and drug information. She also served as SVP Chief Medical Officer of Magellan Behavioral Health and Magellan Specialty Health. Her prior managed care experience included the role of chief medical officer for regional health plans where she gained experience in Medicaid, Medicare, Exchange, and commercial populations.
Dr. Carney, a board-certified internist and a board-certified psychiatrist, has held key clinical leadership positions serving complex populations over the span of her career. Prior to joining Magellan Health, she served as the medical director for the Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, helping to launch the Medicaid expansion product as well as the behavioral health transformation for the state’s community mental health services. Dr. Carney is a published author and co-author for over 100 peer and non-peer reviewed publications surrounding comorbid medical and behavioral health conditions. She is a leading voice in integrated physical and behavioral health care and on the influence of screens and social media on children and adolescents.
She earned her medical degree and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, where she also directed the Med-Psych residency program. She continues to provide clinical support to a behavioral health team at a federally qualified health center.
