J Gen Intern Med 2021 (Mar); 36 (3): 676–682

Table 1.

Overview of Oregon Health Plan’s 2016 Back Pain Policy

Acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, cognitive behavioral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, physical/occupational therapy	• Expanded coverage
Yoga, intensive rehabilitation, massage, exercise therapy	• Covered under some plans
Risk assessment prior to opioid prescribing	• Use of a validated assessment tool (e.g., STarT Back Assessment Tool) prior to prescribing opioids • Verify risk assessment (e.g., PDMP data)
Restrictions on opioid prescribing for acute and subacute back pain	• 7-day limit, short-acting only; extended use only with evidence of improved function • First-line therapies (e.g., NSAIDs) must be used first • Prescribed in conjunction with nonpharmacologic (CAM) therapies
Required tapering plan for patients on chronic opioids for back pain	• Individual treatment plan must be developed by Jan 1, 2017 • End to opioid therapy no later than Jan 1, 2018