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.
In practice since 2000
“With more than two and a half decades of experience, I’m passionate about helping you move with confidence and maintain your independence at every stage of life. I have a special focus on caring for older adults, particularly those recovering from joint replacements, fractures, or navigating more complex medical needs. I take a patient, thoughtful approach to care, spending time helping you understand how your body works and what will support your recovery. My goal is to empower you with knowledge, build trust, and create a personalized plan that helps you reach your goals so you can move better and feel supported every step of the way.”
Medical Education:
MS: Physical Therapy
University of Colorado
Denver, CO
Specialties:
Post-op joint replacements and fractures
Geriatrics
Osteoporosis
Cancer recovery
Complex medical conditions
Cardiopulmonary conditions
Personal Interests: Outdoor recreation is my passion! I am a professional mountain bike instructor and telemark skier who loves the backcountry. I also enjoy camping, hiking, floating in the river, attending concerts, and disc golf.
In practice since 1990
“My path to physical therapy was inspired early on, and I’ve always been drawn to helping people move and feel better. I believe understanding what’s happening in your body is an important part of healing, so I focus on explaining your condition and the evidence-based options available to you. In many cases, I work with you to build the skills and confidence to manage symptoms through thoughtful movement and lifestyle changes. My goal is to guide and support you, so you can take an active role in improving your health and long-term well-being.”
Medical Education:
BS: Physical Therapy
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Specialties:
Persistent pain management
Functional movement screening
Ergonomic evaluation and injury prevention
Personal Interests: Pursuing outdoor adventures, travel, photography, cooking, reading history and science, and cheering on the Red Sox.
In practice since 1999
“I’m passionate about helping you move better and perform at your best, whether you’re recovering from an injury or working to stay active long term. With decades of experience, I provide hands-on physical therapy and take a whole-body approach to care—looking beyond where you feel pain to understand how your overall biomechanics may be contributing. My goal is to help you overcome physical limitations, restore movement, build strength, and help you return to the activities you care about most.”
Medical Education:
MS: Physical Therapy
Regis University
Denver, CO
Specialties:
Dry needling
Post-op knees and shoulders
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) for workers’ compensation impairment ratings
Personal Interests: Pursuing outdoor adventures, travel, reading history and science, hunting, fishing, fitness, and cheering on the Broncos.
In practice since 2023
“Growing up in Glenwood Springs and living an active Colorado lifestyle shaped how I approach physical therapy. As a former Division I ice hockey player and professional athlete, I understand how important movement, performance, and recovery are to everyday life. I work with you to not only recover from injury but also improve how your body moves so you can prevent future setbacks. Whether you’re suffering from dizziness, imbalance, spine-related pain, or working toward peak performance, my focus is on treating the whole body—so you can stay active, confident, and doing what you love.”
Medical Education:
DPT: Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Specialties:
Vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance
GOATA biomechanics, performance optimization, and gait training
Certifications & Training:
American Board of Functional Neurology and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (Colorado & Hawaii)
McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) – Part A
GOATA® Coach – biomechanics, performance optimization, and injury prevention – Level II
Carrick Institute – advanced neurological and vestibular rehabilitation
Personal Interests: Spending time with my family and animals, enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and life on our family ranch.
