S.  Follow-up In Primary Care

OBJECTIVE

Assure continuity of care with primary provider and promote abstinence or reduced use.

ANNOTATION

Communicate the follow-up plan to the primary provider, including:

1.          Monitor signs of use and ask the patient about specific quantity and frequency of use.

2.          Monitor other biological indicators that may improve with abstinence (e.g., transaminase levels or hypertension).

3.          Assess adherence to recovery plan.

4.          Coordinate continued addiction-focused pharmacotherapy, if indicated.

5.          Provide motivational support.

6.          Discuss other areas of concern in the patient’s life that may be prognostic indicators.

7.          Encourage abstinence or reduced use that is consistent with patient’s motivation and agreement.