Ophelia, a company that offers virtual care for opioid use disorder (OUD), has been recognized as a Center of Excellence (COE) by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services.
Ophelia has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first statewide and virtual-first COE in Pennsylvania. This achievement is important because it provides a new way for people in Pennsylvania who are struggling with addiction to get the help they need. Ophelia provides a virtual-first treatment model that helps more people in Pennsylvania who are struggling with OUD to access life-saving care. It works alongside existing resources to expand access to treatment.
Pennsylvania’s Public Health Crisis
The opioid epidemic is still causing a lot of harm in Pennsylvania, and it is causing an average of 14 residents to die every day. This number is twice as high as the national average, which is very unfortunate. The number of overdose deaths has increased in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Ophelia’s Virtual-First Model Increases Access to Treatment
Pennsylvania created the COE program in 2016 as a response to the crisis. The goal is to remove obstacles to providing complete care for patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and improve their ability to receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a proven therapy that can decrease overdose deaths by 76%. Ophelia has been designated with a COE (Center of Excellence) title, which means that their virtual-first care model meets the program’s strict standards for evidence-based treatment.
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Virtual Care
Ophelia’s virtual-first approach eliminates the usual geographical and logistical obstacles that come with in-person treatment. This model follows the recommendations of the CDC, NIH, and CMS, which state that telehealth is effective in treating OUD. Ophelia is important for patients who are unsure or unable to go to a healthcare facility in person. It provides a lifeline for them.
Outcomes and Cost Savings
Research has found that patients, especially those on Medicaid, are 50% more likely to continue their treatment for six months when they are connected with healthcare providers in their insurance network, such as Ophelia. Continuity of care means that patients receive consistent and ongoing care. This is beneficial because it improves patient outcomes and also saves money for those who pay for healthcare.
Commitment to Quality Care
Ophelia makes it safe and easy for patients to get treatment. Patients can easily communicate with doctors from their own homes and book appointments at convenient times, even during evenings and weekends. Furthermore, healthcare professionals and care coordinators are accessible every day of the week to provide assistance, handle difficulties with treatment, and work together with outside providers. All Ophelia clinicians are specialists in addiction medicine. They work for the company and are licensed in the state where the patient is located.
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