What is needed is oversight – prescription drugs are potentially dangerous and addictive substances that should be controlled.
New Port Richey, FL (PRWEB) August 06, 2013
The effects of prescription drugs have yet again extended its reach and are seemingly impacting Medicare – federal health officials said they will ban certain types of Medicare and Medicaid providers in three high-fraud cities from enrolling in the taxpayer-funded programs for the poor as part of an effort to fraud (1). Novus Medical Detox Center, one of the only Florida-based detox centers serving high-dosage prescription drug abuse patients across the U.S., urges Federal regulators to enforce stricter prescription drug regulations as limiting the current ease of obtaining prescription drugs is a key factor in stemming the growth of prescription drug abuse (2).
“Medicare fraud” has undoubtedly caused concerns about its effect on the progression of prescription drug abuse – the concerns mainly hinge on the practices of unauthorized prescribers as detailed by a recent Department of Health and Human Services report (3):
•In 2009, dieticians and nutritionists prescribed over 20,000 prescriptions to 731 individuals, totaling $1,684,988 in Medicare payments;
•Audiologists (hearing specialists) prescribed over 16,000 prescriptions totaling $1,085,699;
•Massage Therapists issued over 12,000 prescriptions totaling $798,991.
Novus Executive Director Kent Runyon asserts firmer criteria regarding how the public obtains prescription pills are critical in stemming Medicare fraud and also combating the rise of prescription drug abuse. Runyon proposes that Medicare regulators first verify that a provider has authority to prescribe drugs before using Medicare funds to pay for them.
“What is needed is oversight – prescription drugs are potentially dangerous and addictive substances that should be controlled,” said Runyon. “The drugs are simply too easy for the public to get ahold of.”
While tougher Medicare controls can help mitigate prescription drug abuse, Runyon maintains that safe and effective detox centers are fundamental in ensuring a safe withdrawal for addicts. Because of the painful withdrawals associated with prescription drug abuse, prescription drug addicts typically shy away from “getting clean.” The pain, according to Runyon, can be so extreme that the fear of it alone drives many addicts to continue using powerful drugs, even when they do not want to, in order to avoid withdrawing and possibly even dying.
Novus opened its doors to handle the toughest of drug and alcohol cases – many that are rejected from other facilities as “too high a risk.” Novus advises those who are dependent on prescription drugs to seek out safe, medically-supervised detox programs. And for those with conditions that require the use of prescription medications, Novus suggests considering the following:
•What are the potential side-effects? Ask for the potential side effects, as well as how commonly the adverse effects occur. Always find out the mental and physical withdrawal symptoms experienced when people cease taking the drug – those symptoms can often be worse than the ailment the drug was meant to cure.
•Are there any alternatives? You want a course of action that will treat the issue, rather than cover it up. Many medications will mask pain/discomfort, but don’t always address the underlying source.
•What is the potential for abuse and/or addiction? Some prescription medications are far more addictive than others. Research shows that some drugs trick the brain into craving more drugs while simultaneously damaging the parts that can control those cravings (4).
“With effective detox and rehabilitation programs, along with management of the Medicare system, we can help lessen prescription drug abuse,” said Runyon. “With all of these things combined, we can help begin to help people get their lives back.”
To learn more about the Novus Medical Detox center and its addiction and detox programs, visit http://www.novusdetox.com.
About Novus Medical Detox Center
Novus Medical Detox Center offers safe, effective alcohol and drug treatment programs in a home-like residential setting. Novus’ detox process was formulated to handle even the most high-dose abuse cases – unlike many other detox programs, Novus pays particular attention to strengthening their patients’ bodies through a proprietary I.V. vitamin cocktail that is tailored to make the detox process as painless as possible and replenish nutrients lost during drug abuse. Their vitamin I.V. is an advanced medical finding that has allowed Novus to handle those drug and alcohol cases often rejected from other facilities as “too high a risk.” Located on 3.25 tree-lined acres in New Port Richey, Fla., Novus is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families as an in-patient medical detox facility and is also accredited by The Joint Commission. Novus is known for putting dignity and humanity back into detox programs. Patients have 24/7 medical supervision, including round-the-clock nursing care and access to a withdrawal specialist, and enjoy comfortable private or shared rooms with a telephone, television, DVD player and high-speed Internet access. For more information on Novus Medical Detox Center, please visit http://www.NovusDetox.com.
1. Kennedy, Kelli. "News Center." Money.msn.com. MSN, 26 July 2013. Web. 05 Aug. 2013. money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130726&id=16744402.
2.Koba, Mark. "Deadly Epidemic: Prescription Drug Overdoses." CNBC.com. CNBC, 24 July 2013. Web. 05 Aug. 2013. cnbc.com/id/100904206.
3.Levinson, Daniel R., IG. Medicare Inappropriately Paid For. Rep. ProPiblica, n.d. Web. 26 June 2013. propublica.org/documents/item/716851-oig-report-prescriber-authority.html.
4.Catan, Thomas, Devlin Barrett, and Timothy Martin. “Prescription for Addiction.” Onlinewsj.com. Wall Street Journal, 05 Oct. 2012. Web. 6 June 2013. online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444223104578036933277566700.html.
