Primary care physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs) caring for patients with opioid dependency now have access to expert consultation with an opioid dependency physician specialist over the phone.

This telephone consult service is for primary care physicians and prescribers seeking advice regarding:

• Initiating and managing opioid agonist therapy
• Prescribing drugs like buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone or naloxone
• Treating patients with existing opioid dependency
• Managing opioid withdrawal and consideration of Opiate Agonist Therapy

This consult service will not provide advice on pain management using opioids or alternatives.

Primary care providers wanting to consult a pain management specialist may benefit from resources listed by the Calgary Pain Management Centre.

Opioid dependence is a growing clinical and public health problem throughout Canada, including our province.

This new service for physicians and NPs will allow more patients with opioid dependence to be treated in primary care settings.

When will the Opioid Dependency Program (ODP) physicians be available?

• From 0800 to 1700 hours daily, including weekends and statutory holidays

How do I access the service?

Physicians and NPs north of Red Deer can access the service by calling RAAPID North at 1-800-282-9911 or 1-780-735-0811.

Physicians and NPs in and south of Red Deer can call RAAPID South at 1-800-661-1700 or 403-944-4488.

To find out more about opioid addiction or opioid maintenance treatment, call the Opioid Dependency Program nearest you. Alberta Health Services’ Opioid Dependency Program (ODP) clinics are available in Edmonton and Calgary.