![](https://hitconsultant.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ophelia.png)
What you should know:
– Opheliaa leading provider of virtual care for opioid use disorder (OUD), has been designated a Center of Excellence (COE) by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
– This milestone achievement makes Ophelia the first statewide COE and first virtual in the state, providing a critical new access point for Pennsylvanians battling addiction. By offering a first-of-its-kind virtual treatment model, Ophelia complements existing resources and expands access to lifesaving care for thousands of Pennsylvanians struggling with OUD.
Addressing the Public Health Crisis in Pennsylvania
The opioid epidemic continues to devastate Pennsylvania, costing the lives of an average of 14 residents per day. This number tragically exceeds 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 created the COE program in 2016. It aims to eliminate barriers to comprehensive care for OUD patients and increase access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a proven therapy that can reduce overdose deaths by 76%. . Ophelia's COE designation means its virtual care model meets the program's rigorous standards for evidence-based treatment.
Virtual care: effective, accessible and life-saving
Ophelia's virtual approach eliminates the geographic and logistical barriers typically associated with traditional in-person treatment. This model aligns with federal guidelines from the CDC, NIH, and CMS, which support the effectiveness of telehealth in the treatment of OUD. For patients who are hesitant or unable to access in-person care, Ophelia provides a crucial lifeline.
Improved results and cost savings
Studies have shown that patients, especially those on Medicaid, are 50% more likely to stay on treatment for six months when connected to in-network providers like Ophelia. This continuity of care results not only in better outcomes for patients, but also in cost savings for payers.
Ophélie's commitment to quality care
Ophelia offers patients a safe and convenient way to access treatment. Patients can connect with clinicians from the comfort of their home and schedule appointments that fit their busy schedule, 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, accessible and sustainable part of a person's life,” the Human Services Secretary said , Dr. Val Arkoosh. “A virtual approach to this treatment gives us more opportunities to meet people where they are and provide them with the lifesaving care they deserve.” We are encouraged that a medical practice can see the value in this model and is using it to pursue innovation, and we look forward to evaluating the impact that Ophelia's approach to our centers model of excellence can have on Pennsylvanians affected by the disease of addiction. »