Services > Narcotic Management

Narcotic Policy

Capital City Paincare recognizes that narcotic management can be an integral part of a patient’s return to function and quality of life. The use of narcotics for non-cancer pain is still controversial. One could argue that narcotic management is higher risk than some of the most technically challenging interventional procedures.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, an average of 3.6 people die in Ohio every day due to unintentional poisoning deaths. In 2007, opioids were involved in 37% of all poisoning deaths in Ohio. Unfortunately, narcotic abuse and addiction has reached epidemic proportions. In response to this threat, the state legislature and Governor Kasich have passed very stringent laws governing pain clinics and narcotic prescribing, House Bill 93.
Capital City Paincare is proud to be the second pain management clinic licensed in Franklin County by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy.

In order for management to be implemented:

The patient has to have failed a trial of non-narcotic medication, and have severe pain which limits function.
Objective testing needs to confirm the condition generating the pain. This can include but is not limited to MRI, CT, xray and laboratory testing. If the testing is normal then the narcotic medication will be tapered and discontinued.
The patient must participate in a comprehensive pain management program. This may include but is not limited to chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, non-narcotic medications, interventional pain procedures, and referrals to specialists for evaluation for surgical intervention.
Patient must complete an Opioid Risk Tool and sign an Opioid Contract/Consent.
Capital City Paincare does not prescribe narcotics chronically for headache pain, fibromyalgia pain, abdominal pain, pelvic pain or genital pain.
Capital City Paincare does not recognize “Medical Marijuana” for the use of chronic benign pain. We will not prescribe narcotics or other controlled medication to patients that smoke or ingest Marijuana.

In order for a patient to be maintained on narcotic medication:

The patient has to demonstrate that the narcotic medication has increased their activity and function.
The patient has to be compliant with the Opioid Contract/Consent and a comprehensive pain management program.

Discontinuation of narcotic management

Once the patient’s condition has improved, narcotic tapering will begin.
If a patient fails to comply with the opioid contract or fails a urine toxicology test, Capital City Paincare will refer the patient to an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program.