OPTA Advocacy Day 2019—April 4
The Opioid Epidemic: What Legislators Need to Know
Every year millions of Americans use opioids to manage pain. Doctor prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, but they just mask the pain—and reliance on opioids has led to the worst drug crisis in American history.
In 2016, the CDC and the Surgeon General called for significant reductions to opioid prescriptions for the treatment of most pain conditions, city risky side effects and a lack of evidence demonstrating that opioids are effective long-term.
*Talking points to communicate:
- The CDC recommends nonopioid approaches for chronic pain.
- The opioid epidemic doesn't discriminate.
- APTA's #ChoosePT campaign provides resources for patients and clients
- Early access to physical therapy services can result in prevention of future health conditions and optimize cost-savings.
Tell legislators that they have an opportunity to make an impact on the opioid epidemic by eliminating barriers to recommended alternatives such as physical therapy treatment—an approach that treats pain through movement and exercise rather than just masking the sensation of pain.
*Here's HOW legislators can address this epidemic through key policy fixes:
- Remove state restrictions that impede access to a physical therapist.
- Ensure comprehensive insurance coverage for physical therapist services.
- Provide for fair physical therapy copays under insurance.
- Allow physical therapists to perform to the full extent of their education and training.
- Protect patient choice of their physical therapist.
No Ohioan should put their health at risk in an effort to manage pain.
OPTA Advocacy Day 2019—April 4
The Opioid Epidemic: What Legislators Need to Know
Every year millions of Americans use opioids to manage pain. Doctor prescribed opioids are appropriate in some cases, but they just mask the pain—and reliance on opioids has led to the worst drug crisis in American history.
In 2016, the CDC and the Surgeon General called for significant reductions to opioid prescriptions for the treatment of most pain conditions, city risky side effects and a lack of evidence demonstrating that opioids are effective long-term.
*Talking points to communicate:
- The CDC recommends nonopioid approaches for chronic pain.
- The opioid epidemic doesn't discriminate.
- APTA's #ChoosePT campaign provides resources for patients and clients
- Early access to physical therapy services can result in prevention of future health conditions and optimize cost-savings.
Tell legislators that they have an opportunity to make an impact on the opioid epidemic by eliminating barriers to recommended alternatives such as physical therapy treatment—an approach that treats pain through movement and exercise rather than just masking the sensation of pain.
*Here's HOW legislators can address this epidemic through key policy fixes:
- Remove state restrictions that impede access to a physical therapist.
- Ensure comprehensive insurance coverage for physical therapist services.
- Provide for fair physical therapy copays under insurance.
- Allow physical therapists to perform to the full extent of their education and training.
- Protect patient choice of their physical therapist.
No Ohioan should put their health at risk in an effort to manage pain.