Opiate Policy

Controlled Substance and Opioid Prescribing

Purpose

Innovative Injury Solutions is dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to our patients. This policy outlines our approach to the use of opioid medications (narcotics) in the treatment of acute pain resulting from trauma or personal injury. Our primary goal is to provide safe, effective pain relief while minimizing the risks of dependency, misuse, and adverse side effects.

Our Approach to Pain Management

We utilize a multimodal, evidence-based approach to pain management. If medication management for pain is deemed necessary, our standard of care prioritizes non-opioid treatments, including but not limited to:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Muscle relaxants
• Nerve-stabilizing medications
• Topical analgesics

Short-Term Opioid Therapy

Innovative Injury Solutions recognizes that there are clinical scenarios where short-term, low-dose opioid therapy may be necessary to manage acute, severe pain following a significant injury. In such cases:

• Opioids will be prescribed only when non-opioid options are insufficient or contraindicated.
• Prescriptions will be limited to the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to manage the acute phase of recovery.
• Patients will be fully informed of the risks, side effects, and expectations regarding the use of these medications.

Limitations of Care: Transition to Long-Term Management

Our practice is structured to manage acute, episodic, and rehabilitative care. We are not equipped to provide long-term narcotic pain management, which requires specialized, ongoing oversight, including:

• Continuous monitoring and periodic medical screenings (such as urine drug toxicology).
• Rigorous collaboration with pharmacies to monitor prescription history.
• Specialized compliance checks to ensure patient safety.

If, in the judgment of our clinical team, a patient’s condition evolves to require ongoing, long-term opioid therapy, we will facilitate a referral to an appropriate pain management specialist or chronic pain clinic. Our providers will assist in the transition to ensure continuity of care and the safety of the patient.

Patient Responsibility

Patients prescribed any medication at Innovative Injury Solutions are expected to:

• Use medications strictly as prescribed.
• Refrain from seeking opioid prescriptions from multiple providers.
• Report any changes in their pain levels or side effects immediately.
• Understand that early refills or lost prescriptions will not be accommodated.