What You Should Know:
– Ophelia, a leading provider of virtual care for opioid use disorder (OUD), has been designated as a Center of Excellence (COE) by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services.
– The milestone achievement makes Ophelia the first statewide and virtual-first COE in the state, offering a critical new access point for Pennsylvanians battling addiction. By offering a virtual-first treatment model, Ophelia complements existing resources and expands access to life-saving care for thousands of Pennsylvanians struggling with OUD.
Addressing Pennsylvania’s Public Health Crisis
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate Pennsylvania, claiming the lives of an average of 14 residents daily. This number tragically surpasses the national average by a factor of two. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl have further exacerbated overdose deaths in recent years.
Ophelia’s Virtual-First Model Increases Access to Treatment
In response to this crisis, Pennsylvania established the COE program in 2016. It aims to break down barriers to comprehensive care for patients with OUD and increase access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a proven therapy that can reduce overdose deaths by 76%. Ophelia’s COE designation signifies that their virtual-first care model meets the program’s rigorous standards for evidence-based treatment.
Virtual Care: Effective, Accessible, and Lifesaving
Ophelia’s virtual-first approach removes geographical and logistical barriers typically associated with traditional in-person treatment. This model aligns with federal guidance from the CDC, NIH, and CMS, which confirms the effectiveness of telehealth in treating OUD. For patients who may be hesitant or unable to access in-person care, Ophelia provides a crucial lifeline.
Improved Outcomes and Cost Savings
Studies have shown that patients, especially those on Medicaid, are 50% more likely to remain in treatment for six months when connected with in-network providers like Ophelia. This continuity of care not only translates to improved patient outcomes but also leads to cost savings for payors.
Ophelia’s Commitment to Quality Care
Ophelia provides patients with a safe and convenient way to access treatment. Patients can connect with clinicians from the comfort of their homes and schedule appointments that fit their busy schedules, including evenings and weekends. Additionally, clinicians and care coordinators are available seven days a week to offer support, address treatment challenges, and collaborate with external providers. All Ophelia clinicians are addiction medicine specialists, employed by the company, and licensed in the patient’s state.
“The Centers of Excellence were designed as a patient-centered model of care that sought to make treatment and recovery an accessible, approachable, and sustainable part of a person’s life,” said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “A virtual-first approach to this treatment gives us more opportunities to meet people where they are and get them the life-saving care they deserve. We are encouraged that a medical practice can see the value of this model and are using it to pursue further innovation, and we look forward to assessing the impact Ophelia’s approach to our Centers of Excellence Model can have on Pennsylvanians affected by the disease of addiction.”
