As a pain specialist, I have dedicated my career to helping patients manage their pain effectively and safely. One of the most pressing issues I see is the over-reliance on opioids, especially among seniors who can begin using opioid medications to control pain and then can’t stop using them because of addiction. The Alternatives to PAIN (Preventing Addiction in the Name of Patient Safety) Act offers an essential and immediate opportunity to address this issue. I urge Sen. Ron Wyden to support this legislation.
Seniors are especially vulnerable to the risks associated with opioid medications. Acute pain is frequently treated with opioids, which can quickly lead to dependence and addiction. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, since 2013, the estimated rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) among older adults have increased more than three-fold overall in the U.S.Â
The Alternatives to PAIN Act seeks to expand access to and coverage for non-opioid pain treatments. In my practice, new treatments that block nerve pain signals or speed the healing of damaged tissue can minimize or avoid the need for opioid therapy. Interventional procedures like nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation significantly relieve chronic pain. These methods target the source of pain, providing long-term relief without the risks associated with opioid use.
Other non-opioid pain treatments are under review by the FDA and may be available as early as next year. These options have been shown in phase II trials to be as effective as opioids in treating acute pain but without the high risk of addiction. By making these treatments accessible and affordable once they are FDA-approved, the Alternatives to PAIN Act could play a crucial role in protecting our senior population from opioid dependency.
Still, these treatments may remain out of reach or underutilized primarily due to limited insurance coverage and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) who may favor cheaper opioids. The Alternatives to PAIN Act attempts to fix this by ensuring that these treatments are covered by Medicare and provided to patients at the same cost as opioids. It would improve access for seniors and encourage healthcare providers to incorporate a broader range of pain management strategies into their practice.
Wyden has long been a public health champion, supporting healthcare reform and several measures aimed at improving the lives of Oregonians. Supporting the Alternatives to PAIN Act aligns with his commitment to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for his constituents, particularly our vulnerable senior population. By backing this legislation, Wyden can help lead the charge in adopting safer, more effective pain management practices. The Alternatives to PAIN Act represents a pivotal opportunity to shift our approach to pain management towards safer and more effective methods, especially for our senior population.
By expanding access to non-opioid treatments and ensuring Medicare covers them, we can reduce the risk of addiction and improve the quality of life for countless individuals. Wyden’s support for this legislation would be a decisive step in combating the opioid crisis and enhancing healthcare for seniors in Oregon and across the nation.
Let’s prioritize patient safety and work towards a future where pain management does not come with a high cost or result in addiction.
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Dr. David Russo is a physiatrist and pain medicine specialist with Columbia Pain Management, PC.
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