9 October 2018 - - US-based specialty network for radiology, interventional pain management, and medical air transportation services CoreChoice has inked partnership agreement with MINES and Associates to form the nation's first PPO network solution to combat the nationwide opioid and polysubstance use epidemic, the company said.

This network contains 24,000 providers nationwide consisting of inpatient treatment centers, outpatient treatment centers, physicians, and behavioural health specialists.

The network follows strict protocols for evaluation and treatment. The network has the ability to monitor and track prescription and lab results and then correlate them to the patient claims.

This will include treatment for patients who are addicted to opioids, stimulants, central nervous system depressants, alcohol, illicit substances, as well as other drugs both prescription and over the counter.
The programme is structured with two different program levels.

There will be a typical PPO model for the repricing of bills as well as a true managed care model. The managed care model will allow for direct referral to a Network Care Coordinator who will be able to place the patient in the appropriate treatment setting, get initial comprehensive and interim evaluations, and monitor results.

The network is contracted with aggressive discounts ranging between 50-80% OFF billed charges and can be set up based on each specific client's needs.

Additionally, the programme is designed to service the commercial group health and the workers' compensation insurance sectors.

Claims will be handled through the CoreChoice Electronic Data Interface technology. Managed care processes will utilise Mines' integrated case management protocols. The substance use disorder network will use Mines' specialty network.

Dr. Steven Gass, CEO of CoreChoice, feels that this agreement will provide a total network solution that is unmatched in the industry.

This problem is one of the most prevalent issues that we are facing and while no one knows the true number of people involved, it is surely impacting many lives and it is time to address it and work toward resolving it. This integrative approach will provide the means by which someone is finally addressing the substance abuse problem.

CoreChoice is a specialty network for radiology, interventional pain management, and medical air transportation services.

For over 37 years Mines and Associates has been a business psychology firm that provides a range of services to employers including employee assistance programmes, managed behavioural healthcare, organization-al development services, wellness programmes, behavioural risk management, disease management, PPO services, and other behavioral health programs serving a diverse portfolio of clients nationwide.