A Notice Regarding Our Opioid Prescription Policy

"Opiates are not always the answer. Let our team of specialists, acupuncturists, psychologists, nutritionists, and interventionalists help you get your life back and hopefully with less medication dependency."

Our evidenced-based approach incorporates therapies, medications, as well as interventional procedures all in the hopes of diminishing overall pain levels, and hopefully reducing opioid intake and increasing functionality. Opioid medications are considered in this approach but may not always be appropriate. There has been a marked increase in the numbers of prescription drug addictions, overdoses, and even deaths over the past decade, so non-opioid options are always considered as part of the treatment plan. IPS strives to practice prescribing opioid medications in a responsible manner, considering Federal and State guidelines, which may result in not prescribing an opioid with a benzodiazepine. To ensure the greatest patient safety, we utilize random urine drug testing, medical record review, and check the California Prescription Monitoring Program system to ensure that controlled substances are being utilized as agreed in the treatment plan. We approach each patient as an individual as each circumstance is different.

What does this mean for you as a patient?
If you are a new patient to our offices, taking opioid medications at doses higher than those that are currently recommended by State and Federal guidelines, you should expect that tapering of your opioid medications will be an important part of your treatment plan. The ultimate goal for tapering will be determined for individual patients in consultation with their physician.

Pain Management & Compliance
Regulatory updates have focused on ensuring patient safety when it comes to prescription opioids, and our team at Inland Pain Specialists is committed to practicing based upon the best available evidence while complying with the Federal and State guidelines. While it is important for patients to understand that these guidelines may require lowering of prescriptions, we are still committed to helping them effectively manage pain through the most appropriate and safest means possible. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder

According to the DEA website - "the DEA Supports the Use of Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder".

Suboxone is a medication that is often used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). It helps people stop using opioids by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. If you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction and wishes to find a solution, you may be interested in learning about how Suboxone can help with your recovery. Please talk to us about Suboxone at your next appointment.