Louisiana Primary Care Association Collaborative Opioid Response Program
The Louisiana Primary Care Association Collaborative Opioid Response Program aims to broaden access to FDA-approved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) among under- and uninsured individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). This inititiative emphasizes the utilization of Evidence-Based Programs (EBPs) to ensure effective and accessible treatment.
Overview of Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT)
OBOT is designed to integrate OUD care directly into primary care settings.
Through this approach, specially trained primary care providers are enabled to prescribe buprenorphine and manage OUD treatment within general medical practices.
This integration allows patients to receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the same familiar environment where they access other healthcare services, reducing travel barriers and simplifying entry into treatment.
Reducing Stigma and Enhancing Patient-Centered Care
By embedding OUD treatment in routine healthcare visits, OBOT helps normalize care for opioid use disorder and reduces the stigma that can be associated with specialized addiction clinics.
This model supports a patient-centered approach, meeting individuals where they already receive medical care.
Team-Based Approach to Care
OBOT commonly employs a collaborative, team-based care model. Nurses and care managers play a pivotal role by assisting the primary care physician with complex care management responsibilities, ongoing patient monitoring, and coordination of counseling services.
This structure alleviates the workload on providers and ensures comprehensive support for both the medical and behavioral health needs of patients.
Key Features of OBOT in Primary Care
- Prescribing buprenorphine by DATA-waivered primary care providers.
- Nurse care managers are responsible for patient monitoring and follow-up.
- Integration of OUD treatment with broader primary care and behavioral health services.
- Flexibility to adapt care models according to local practice circumstances and patient needs.
- Increased provider capacity through targeted training and collaborative care models.
Now Seeking Providers!
The LPCA-CORP Project is seeking office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) providers within the 10 Local Governing Entities (LGEs)/regional areas of the state to expand access to Medication for persons with Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).
- Within each treatment region every OBOT will serve 47 new patients over the two-year grant period.
- Financial support will be given to participating OBOT providers.
- Professional Consultations will be available to MOUD providers by Addiction Specialists.
- Support from Spoke Care Teams (SCT) will be comprised of a Licensed Mental Health Professional and a peer support specialist to assist OBOT patient services at no cost to the physician.
