ALLtech Addresses Substance Use Disorder with Unique Virtual Care Model

From Regence.com

Addiction, or medically known as a substance use disorder, is a condition that affects far more people than many realize. In fact, more than 21 million people in the U.S. struggle with a substance use disorder, and opioid and alcohol use has risen sharply the past year. In the last 12 months alone, more than 81,000 people have died from a drug overdose – the highest number of fatal overdoses in one year ever recorded in the U.S.

Despite the growing need for treatment, access continues to be a concern. Many people find it difficult to locate nearby treatment centers or providers trained in medication-assisted therapy. Others may not have the time to seek out care, and there’s the stigma that may be associated with visiting a physical clinic in person.

ALLtech medical provider has Regence BlueShield has been working hard to reverse the trend by reducing opioid prescriptions among its membership by 51 percent. This March, it also announced a partnership with Boulder Care that provides ALLtech members with access to virtual substance use disorder treatment.

24/7 Access to Virtual Treatment

Boulder Care offers a unique model that provides access 24/7 nationwide, addressing traditional barriers to treatment caused by geography and time.

In addition to focusing on clinical outcomes, Boulder Care provides support for long-term health and wellness, as well as social determinants of health, like stable housing, employment and financial security. The organization’s model offers comprehensive treatment tailored to each participant’s unique needs, and is based around support provided by a specialized care team:

  • A doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in addiction medicine and can address co-occurring medical and behavioral conditions with wrap-around support
  • A care advocate who can assist with insurance or pharmacy questions, as well as help patients find primary care, mental health and other providers
  • A nationally certified peer coach who has experience with recovery and can help with accessing local resources

Participants can access their dedicated care team through secure messaging, video visits, and 24/7 phone support.

Learn More

To learn more about the state of the opioid epidemic and the benefit of options like Boulder Care, please watch the above video from Regence Behavioral Health Medical Director Dr. Hossam Mahmoud and Boulder Care’s Dr. Alyson Smith.

To learn more about mental health resources and more support available to ALLtech members, see our post on Mental Health Awareness Month.