Find Doctor in Chattanooga City (TN) Who Prescribe Suboxone or Methadone For Pain and Take Insurance

Working with Methadone Doctors in Chattanooga

Training and Certification

Methadone doctors in Chattanooga must complete specialized training and obtain certain certifications to legally prescribe methadone for opioid dependence treatment. This includes obtaining a DATA 2000 Waiver from the DEA, which allows them to prescribe buprenorphine products like Suboxone. They must also complete training on diversion control, proper dosing, and monitoring patients on MAT. Many have additional certifications in addiction medicine from the American Board of Addiction Medicine or the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Best Practices in MAT

• Comprehensive patient assessment, including medical history, substance use history, and psychosocial factors
• Development of individualized treatment plans with patient input
• Initiation of methadone or buprenorphine at proper induction doses
• Regular monitoring and drug testing during maintenance phase
• Use of lowest effective methadone dose for maintenance
• Encouraging participation in counseling and behavioral therapies
• Considering medically-supervised withdrawal when appropriate
• Providing relapse prevention education and overdose prevention/naloxone training
• Coordinating care with mental health providers when needed
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating patients with compassion

Treatment Options in Chattanooga

Offline Methadone Doctors in Chattanooga

• Chattanooga Treatment Center
• Focus Treatment Centers
• Health Connect America
• Colonial Management Group
• Volunteer Treatment Center

Patients must come to the clinic daily to receive their methadone dose. Counseling services are provided to support recovery.

Online Methadone Doctors Serving

• Availability and scope of telemedicine services, including remote consultations, follow-ups, and prescription management
• Telemedicine regulations in Tennessee allow methadone to be prescribed online following an initial in-person visit.
• Online telehealth platforms provide access to addiction specialists for consultations, follow-ups, counseling, and prescription management.
• Medication can be filled at local pharmacies, allowing flexibility in dosing without daily clinic visits.
• Options still require an initial in-person intake assessment before ongoing telemedicine treatment.

Insurance and Financial Considerations for Methadone Doctors in Chattanooga

Accepted Insurance Plans

Methadone doctors in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee typically accept a variety of insurance plans, including private insurance such as BlueCross BlueShield and Cigna, Medicaid plans like TennCare, and Medicare. Many clinics work with patients to find an insurance plan that provides coverage for methadone treatment.

Coverage Details

It’s important for patients to understand their insurance coverage details before starting methadone treatment. This includes knowing copay and deductible amounts, coverage of daily dosing costs, and whether prior authorization is required. Methadone doctors advise patients to contact their insurance provider to learn the specific costs and requirements of their plan. Treatment can be expensive without adequate coverage, so verifying these details upfront is an important first step.

Insurance Verification

To verify insurance coverage, methadone doctors have patients provide their insurance card and information. Staff will contact the insurance provider to confirm the patient’s policy status, benefits, deductible amounts, copays for medication and counseling, and any prior authorization requirements. This process is important to avoid unexpected costs and ensure the insurance plan will adequately cover methadone treatment services prior to the patient starting the program.

Comprehensive Treatment Services in Chattanooga

MAT Services Offered

A range of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services are provided, including both methadone and suboxone treatment plans. Patients work with doctors to develop a customized treatment plan that includes medication, individual and group counseling, and support groups. The clinic offers daily methadone dosing along with weekly individual and group counseling sessions focused on relapse prevention strategies, developing healthy coping skills, and managing cravings. Suboxone is also prescribed on a weekly or monthly basis, allowing patients to take their medication at home while checking in with doctors regularly. Support groups led by counselors provide an opportunity to connect with peers in recovery.

Treatment Selection

Doctors conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each patient to determine the most appropriate MAT medication option. Factors considered include the specific substance(s) used, duration of addiction, previous treatment attempts, and the patient’s goals and preferences. Methadone is often recommended for patients with a long history of opioid addiction, while suboxone may be preferred for more recent addictions. Doctors also consider the pros and cons of each medication such as the need to visit a clinic daily for methadone versus the ability to take suboxone at home. Ongoing communication ensures the treatment plan can be adjusted over time to fit the patient’s changing needs. The clinic works closely with patients to provide the MAT services that will give them the best chance at achieving long-term recovery.

Scope of Practice

Core Responsibilities of Methadone Doctors

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of new patients, including medical history, substance use history, mental health screening, and physical exam.
• Develop personalized treatment plans for patients, including appropriate methadone dosage, frequency of office visits, and additional counseling or behavioral therapies.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and adjustments to methadone treatment based on patient progress and changing needs.
• Order and interpret lab tests to monitor patient health and response to treatment.
• Coordinate care with other providers like counselors, psychiatrists, and primary care doctors.
• Provide education to patients on methadone treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.
• Ensure compliance with regulations around methadone prescribing and patient monitoring.

Limitations and Referrals

• Addiction psychiatrists or therapists
• Inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programs
• Primary care providers
• Community support groups like AA or NA

Methadone doctors work closely with patients’ other providers to ensure coordinated care addressing any co-occurring conditions contributing to substance use disorder. They may also help refer patients to resources to support overall wellness like housing, transportation, and employment assistance.

Certification and Documentation in Chattanooga, Hamilton, Tennessee

Necessary Certifications

• DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances
• License from the Tennessee Department of Health to prescribe buprenorphine for addiction treatment
• Certification from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to prescribe buprenorphine
• Registration with the DEA and certification from SAMHSA to prescribe methadone

Required Patient Documentation

• Photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport to confirm identity
• Personal and family medical history forms
• Records of previous addiction treatment if applicable
• Physical exam and lab test results conducted within the past year
• Documentation of previously prescribed medications
• Proof of insurance or ability to self-pay
• Signed consent forms for treatment and release of medical records