Stop the Implementation of BCBS of Alabama's Draft 566!
- by: Stephanie Christianson
- recipient: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Draft 566 issued by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama is seeking to end all quantitative laboratory testing for the purposes of urine drug testing. This initiative is aimed at patients with chronic non-malignant pain which is defined as persistent pain, not associated with active cancer or end of life events. Additionally, it is persistent pain not associated with acute disease and lasts for a period of months and/or years.
Chronic pain is treated most commonly with controlled substances, defined by the Drug Enforcement Agency. This is not limited to narcotics, but includes prescription drugs such as Lyrica and Ultram. Alabama law requires a written treatment plan along with a series of laboratory evidence in order to prescribe and identify problem areas in terms of prescription medication. Moreover, it also requires physicians to run urine drug testing. This includes urine drug screening with a qualitative method and all positives confirmed by a quantitative, more refined methodology.
To deny coverage could impede the scope of care for those in chronic pain. Physicians require accurate, reliable results in order to make an informed decision that is both in the best interest of the patient and found to be medically necessary. Draft 566 has the potential to cripple physician's potential to help those in pain. This Draft 566 goes against Alabama Law for the prescribing of controlled substances and should not be put in action.
[Medical Professional or BCBS of Alabama]:
Blue Cross Blue Shield's Draft 566 may have a significant impact on the established practice of pain management. The draft, if enacted, would violate Alabama standards and requirements for the care of patients with chronic pain. Only allowing qualitative laboratory testing methods as a patient's and physician's option for urine drug testing.
Urine drug testing is integral of the practice of pain management on behalf of patients with chronic pain. Quantitative confirmation testing is acceptable and required by the State of Alabama. Physicians rely on the most precise, reliable laboratory techniques in order to fully address the success or failure of a therapeutic treatment plan. All of these points fall under the purview of Alabama law. Moreover, all qualitative urine drug testing is directed by the manufacturer to use quantitative methods in order to obtain the true value.
This exclusion from coverage could pose detrimental effects on chronic pain populations. Approximately 100 million Americans are living with chronic pain lasting over a year. Chronic pain has reached an epidemic-level status. It is wrong to prevent physicians from utilizing the best diagnostic service possible for an accurate assessment of the patient's response and biological activity.
The chronic pain community does not deserve to be relegated to the sidelines. Patients are entitled to medically necessary services, one of which is quantitative urine drug testing. It is wrong to stifle patients from the expense and stress Draft 566 may offer.
Please, we need your help to make this right!
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