The AAMC submitted feedback on July 1 (PDF) responding to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services request for information (RFI) on chronic disease of addiction. The RFI focused on identifying effective programs, policies, and innovative approaches that support prevention, treatment, and long‑term recovery for substance use disorder as a chronic disease, as well as strategies to improve mental health outcomes and co-occurring conditions [refer to Washington Highlights, June 12].
The AAMC’s letter identified integrated behavioral health and telehealth as effective programs. It also recommended improvements to existing policies and federal programs, including mental health payment and coverage parity rules, Medicare payment policies (notably interprofessional consultation services and care management services), telehealth access to medications for opioid use disorder, and policies to address upstream drivers of health to promote whole-person care. The AAMC commended the department for its ongoing commitment to improving mental health and advancing the prevention, treatment, and recovery of substance use disorder as a chronic disease, and reiterated its desire to continue collaborating toward these shared goals.
- Washington Highlights