PRESCRIBER BEST PRACTICES

The following best practices have been developed to assist prescribers with implementing K-TRACS use effectively in their practices. Best practices are divided by clinical scenarios.

Along with best practices, prescribers and their delegates should also be familiar with appropriate use guidelines to ensure K-TRACS patient data remains confidential and is used only in the medical care of a patient.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC BEST PRACTICES

HOW TO ACCESS K-TRACS
WHEN TO CONSULT K-TRACS
  • Before prescribing controlled substances to new patients and as a new therapy for existing patients.
  • For all patients receiving controlled substances for substance use treatment, pain management and worker's compensation claims.
  • Before prescribing controlled substances to patients being seen on an urgent basis or who solicit additional medication after hours.
  • At least annually for all patients continuing therapy with controlled substances to avoid overlooking concerns among familiar patients.
  • For all patients requesting early refills.
HOW TO USE K-TRACS DATA
  • Coordinate care with prescribers and pharmacies involved in the patient's care to ensure patient safety.
  • Identify and refer patients to treatment who might otherwise go untreated for a substance use disorder.
  • Engage patients in meaningful education around the safe use of prescription drugs and the risks of substance use disorders.
  • Discuss naloxone with patients who meet clinical indicators for co-prescribing with opioids.
  • Decide whether to prescribe controlled substances for the patient after reviewing all available data.

PUT THE BEST PRACTICES TO USE

Download a sample practice policy and sample clinical workflow to consider how to implement K-TRACS best practices into your outpatient clinic.

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INPATIENT HOSPITAL BEST PRACTICES

HOW TO ACCESS K-TRACS
WHEN TO CONSULT K-TRACS
  • For all patients reporting controlled substance use to identify potentially harmful drug interactions in treatment plans.
  • Before discharging a patient with a controlled substance prescription.
    HOW TO USE K-TRACS DATA
    • Coordinate care with primary care providers and other prescribers involved in the patient's care to ensure patient safety.
    • Identify and refer patients to treatment who might otherwise go untreated for a substance use disorder.
    • Engage patients in meaningful education around the safe use of prescription drugs and the risks of substance use disorders.

    PUT THE BEST PRACTICES TO USE

    Download a sample policy and sample clinical workflow to consider how to implement K-TRACS best practices into your inpatient hospital setting.

    DOWNLOAD EXAMPLES

    EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT BEST PRACTICES

    HOW TO ACCESS K-TRACS
    WHEN TO CONSULT K-TRACS
    • For all patients presenting with potential overdose symptoms.
    • For all patients reporting controlled substance use to identify potentially harmful drug interactions in treatment plans.
    • For all patients who you suspect of non-medical use or "doctor shopping" behavior.
    • Before discharging a patient with a controlled substance prescription.
    HOW TO USE K-TRACS DATA
    • Coordinate care with primary care providers and other prescribers involved in the patient's care to ensure patient safety.
    • Identify and refer patients to treatment who might otherwise go untreated for a substance use disorder.
    • Determine or eliminate additional screening and/or testing needs based on prescription history.
    • Engage patients in meaningful education around the safe use of prescription drugs and the risks of substance use disorders.
    • Recognize "doctor shopping" behavior by identifying patterns of ED and/or multiple prescriber usage.

    PUT THE BEST PRACTICES TO USE

    Download a sample policy and sample clinical workflow to consider how to implement K-TRACS best practices into your emergency department.

    DOWNLOAD EXAMPLES

    DENTIST & ORAL SURGEON BEST PRACTICES

    HOW TO ACCESS K-TRACS
    WHEN TO CONSULT K-TRACS
    • Before prescribing controlled substances to new patients and as a new therapy for existing patients.
    • Before prescribing controlled substances to patients being seen on an urgent basis or who solicit additional medication after hours.
    • For all patients you plan to prescribe opioids to identify potentially harmful drug interactions.
    HOW TO USE K-TRACS DATA
    • Coordinate care with prescribers and pharmacies involved in the patient's care to ensure patient safety.
    • Identify and refer patients to treatment who might otherwise go untreated for a substance use disorder.
    • Engage patients in meaningful education around the safe use of prescription drugs and the risks of substance use disorders.

    PUT THE BEST PRACTICES TO USE

    Download a sample policy and sample clinical workflow to consider how to implement K-TRACS best practices into your emergency department.

    DOWNLOAD EXAMPLES