970-945-8503
970-945-8503
Each year, thousands of Americans die from opioid overdoses, reflecting the ongoing severity of the national opioid crisis and the importance of careful prescribing and monitoring.
At GMA, we care deeply about your pain management and psychological health, and we are committed to helping you or your loved ones stay safe. We recognize the validity and importance of these medications, while also understanding the significant risks involved in their use.
Our goal is to provide the most effective treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, & insomnia, while minimizing the risk of addiction, diversion, and accidental overdose associated with these high-risk medications.
Our chronic controlled substance policy, designed by GMA physicians, is carefully monitored to support safe and effective medication management. Our providers follow opioid-prescribing guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Colorado medical boards.
In accordance with GMA policy and state and federal guidelines, patients who are prescribed certain controlled medications for chronic pain (opioid medications) or anxiety or insomnia (benzodiazepine medications) daily for more than 90 days can expect the following:
No. If you refuse a drug screen, you will not be able to receive your prescription. We encourage all patients to be open and honest with their providers when discussing medications, supplements, and other substances they are taking. These conversations are vital to the patient-provider relationship and to providing high-quality care.
Annual urine drug screening is required as part of our policy for all patients who take opioids or benzodiazepines on a chronic basis, and is recommended by both the CDC and Colorado state medical boards. Urine drug tests can provide valuable information about drug use that may not be reported by the patient, particularly substances that can increase the risk of overdose.
Yes. THC and alcohol may be detected and reported if your body contains sufficient amounts of these substances at the time of testing. We do not recommend the use of marijuana or alcohol while taking opioids or benzodiazepines due to safety concerns. Mixing these substances can lead to serious complications or even death.
We also understand that marijuana and alcohol are legal in the state of Colorado, and we encourage you to discuss safe use with your provider while taking these medications.
All billing and payment for drug screens processed through HealthTrackRx are handled by that company, not by GMA.
HealthTrackRx charges approximately $525 for the drug screen. Patients can expect to receive a bill from HealthTrackRx within 1–2 months after testing. HealthTrackRx will bill your insurance first; how much your insurance pays depends on your specific policy. If you are self-pay, please call HealthTrackRx at 844-218-3097 to ask whether you qualify for a reduced rate.
If you have questions about your drug screen bill or would like to set up a payment plan, please contact HealthTrackRx directly at 844-218-3097. You may also pay your bill online.
GMA’s laboratory also has brochures available with additional information about drug screen billing.
GMA uses the SureTest drug screen through HealthTrackRx because of its accuracy, broad range of substances detected, and overall cost compared to similar tests offered by other companies. Because this screening is both comprehensive and precise, it is more expensive to perform.
There are many ways to help reduce stress. Routine exercise, healthy eating habits, talking with someone, journaling, yoga, deep-breathing exercises, and meditation can all be helpful. As always, talk with your provider about approaches that may work best for you.
Tapering off medication is a process that should be carefully monitored with your provider’s guidance. We encourage an open and honest relationship with your provider and want you to actively participate in your treatment plan. Your provider will offer recommendations that best suit your needs, and together you can determine how to proceed with your individual plan.
No. Other options for managing pain, anxiety, and insomnia may be available either in place of medication or in combination with medication. Talk with your provider if you are interested in alternative approaches. Options that have been helpful for some patients include physical therapy, yoga, massage, and acupuncture.
Yes. You can work with your provider to determine a safe and effective dose for symptom relief. When appropriate, you and your provider can also work together to gradually reduce your medication.
Recent studies have shown that taking these medications together significantly increases the risk of a potentially fatal overdose. Any changes to medication should be carefully monitored with your provider’s guidance. We encourage open and honest communication and active participation in your treatment plan. Your provider will offer recommendations designed to safely meet your needs, and you can work together to determine next steps.
Intentionally violating your agreement may result in the discontinuation of controlled substance prescriptions or dismissal from the practice. We encourage you to remain open and honest with your provider to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.
You should always be open and honest with all of your providers about the medications you are taking. Per the agreement you sign annually, controlled substance prescriptions must come from your GMA provider or, during their absence, a covering physician unless specific authorization is obtained.
We recommend informing non-GMA providers about your current medications and your controlled substance agreement with GMA. Whenever possible, discuss the possibility of additional prescriptions with your GMA provider before scheduled surgery. If that is not feasible, contact your GMA provider on the next business day.
Obtaining controlled substance prescriptions from multiple providers without authorization is considered a violation of your agreement and may result in discontinuation of prescriptions or dismissal from the practice.
Your pharmacist is an important member of your healthcare team and plays a key role in medication safety. Pharmacists help ensure prescriptions are appropriate and may require updated diagnoses or clinical information from your provider. If a pharmacist believes filling a controlled substance prescription is not in your best interest, or if necessary, information is missing, they may delay or decline filling the prescription.
