Empowering the Pedorthist by Enhancing their Role in the Opioid Crisis
is recommended that they take part in the CDC
Recommendations for Non-Opioid Treatments
in the Management of Chronic Pain. This is a
webinar that offers information on identifying
the most appropriate treatment options and
assessing the value of exercise, education, and
non-opioid drug treatments.
Lastly, the pedorthist should appreciate
and collaborate closely with community
organizations working on the opioid
crisis. Identify areas of mutual work and
opportunities to enhance efforts to combat
abuse.
Some pedorthists may be concerned about
discussing potential opioid abuse with a
REFERENCES
1. Smith RG. Using clinical-based evidence as the
sextant to prescribe and navigate through the opioid
crisis. Foot and Ankle Quarterly. 2018;29(3):143-157.
2. Smith RG. A review of opioid analgesics frequently
prescribed by podiatric physicians. J Am Podiatr Med
Assoc. 2006 JulAug;96(4):367-373.
3. Helpful Materials for Patients. https://www.cdc.gov/
drugoverdose/patients/materials.html. Accessed May
24, 2019.
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Pedorthic Footcare Association | www.pedorthics.org
patient’s loved ones or the prescribing
provider. HIPAA regulations allow health
professionals to share health information. This
includes information about suspected overuse
or abuse of prescribed opioids 5 . The pedorthist
should document the action, observation or
conversation that leads to such a suspicion
and then contact the prescribing provider and
discuss the situation. In this way, pedorthists
can become an active and valuable team
member to help resolve the nations opioid
crisis.
–end
4. Hartney E. What Is Opioid Use Disorder in the New
DSM-5? March 31, 2018. https://www.verywellmind.
com/opioid-use-disorder-22046 accessed May 24,
2019.
5. How HIPAA Allows Doctors to Respond to the Opioid
Crisis. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hipaa-
opioid-crisis.pdf. Accessed May 24, 2019.