Tech-Driven OUD Screening Protocols and Bridge Clinic at SUNY Upstate University Hospital

In this insightful episode of the Opioid Action Center podcast, Corey Zeigler, CIO of Helio Health, sits down with Dr. Ross W. Sullivan, MD, FASAM, Executive Medical Director at Helio Health and Assistant Professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, to explore a pioneering program designed to combat opioid use disorder (OUD). They discuss the development and implementation of a universal screening protocol, the effectiveness of the two-item conjoint screen (TICS) method, and the innovative Bridge Clinic initiative. Hear valuable insights into the challenges faced and successes achieved in integrating these solutions across a large healthcare system. Learn about the collaborative efforts between OUD teams and patient care staff, resulting in improved patient outcomes and significant reductions in opioid-related emergency department visits. The episode provides a compelling look at how healthcare IT can play a vital role in transforming addiction treatment and addressing the opioid crisis.

What You'll Learn:

Introduction to SUNY Upstate's Comprehensive Program: Gain insights into a holistic approach combining universal screening protocols and dedicated clinics to address opioid use disorder (OUD).Effective Screening Methods: Understand the implementation and efficacy of the two-item conjoint screen (TICS) method for identifying OUD across diverse healthcare settings like outpatient and emergency departments.Implementation Challenges and Solutions: Learn about the obstacles encountered while rolling out a universal screening protocol in a large healthcare system and strategies for overcoming them.Impactful Results: Discover the tangible outcomes of the program, such as reduced length of inpatient stays and a significant decrease in opioid-related ED visits.Collaborative Care Model: Explore how dedicated OUD teams collaborate with existing patient care teams and social workers to enhance treatment and post-hospitalization care.Sustainability and Future Expansions: Get acquainted with the plans for maintaining and expanding successful initiatives like the Bridge Clinic and TICS screening protocol.

MODERATOR: Corey Zeigler, CIO, Helio Health 

Bio: Corey has been with Helio Health for about 5 years. They are a large substance use and behavioral health organization with 70 different locations throughout Central New York spanning from Albany in the eastern side to Rochester on the western side, down to the Pennsylvania border to the south and almost to Canada in the North. Their services include inpatient, outpatient, residential, affordable housing, homelessness and a lot of the health and human services functions in New York State. 

GUEST:Ross W. Sullivan, MD, FASAM 

Executive Medical Director, Helio Health

Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, Toxicology, Addiction Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University

Bio: Dr. Sullivan is the Executive Medical Director at Helio Health in Central New York and a recognized expert in addiction medicine. He completed his medical education, residency in Emergency Medicine, and toxicology fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Dr. Sullivan also serves as a faculty member in Emergency Medicine and directs the Medical Toxicology fellowship at SUNY Upstate. He has co-authored several publications on overdose and addiction and contributes his expertise to various advisory panels and workgroups, including NY-OASAS and the NY-DOH buprenorphine work group. Additionally, he is the Treasurer and Board Member of the New York Society of Addiction Medicine (NYSAM).