Name of the Procedure:

Each Additional 30 Minutes of Counseling in a Week of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

• Commonly Known As: Extended MAT counseling session
• Technical Term: HCPCS Code G2080

Summary

This procedure involves an additional 30-minute session of counseling provided during a week of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in a Medicare-enrolled opioid treatment program (OTP). It supplements the primary counseling session to provide further support and guidance.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed:

• Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

  Goals/Expected Outcomes:

• To provide enhanced psychological support.
• To improve adherence to MAT.
• To address challenges and barriers to recovery.
• To reduce the risk of relapse.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Patients with opioid use disorder who require supplemental counseling support.

Patient Criteria:

• Enrollment in a Medicare-approved OTP.
• Concurrent participation in MAT.
• Need for additional counseling beyond the primary session due to complexity or severity of the condition.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• No special preparation is typically required.

  Diagnostic Tests:

• Patient's history and current status assessment will guide the need for additional sessions.

Procedure Description

Steps:

1. Initial Assessment: Review of the patient’s progress, challenges, and needs since the last session.
2. Counseling Session: Conducted by a qualified healthcare professional. Techniques may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches.
3. Goal Setting: Identifying objectives for the session and working towards them.
4. Progress Review: Assessing the patient's compliance with the MAT plan and making necessary adjustments.

Tools/Equipment:

• Counseling may be conducted face-to-face or through telehealth platforms.

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Not applicable.

Duration

• Typically, 30 minutes.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic, opioid treatment program facility, or via telehealth.

Personnel

• Licensed clinical psychologist, licensed counselor, or social worker with training in opioid use disorder treatment.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Emotional distress triggered by discussing sensitive topics.

  Rare Risks:

• Psychological trauma if deeply distressing topics are inadequately managed.

Management:

• Immediate psychological support and, if necessary, referral to a mental health specialist.

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Enhanced support network.
• Improved coping strategies.
• Better treatment adherence.
• Reduced likelihood of relapse.

Realization of Benefits:

• Typically seen within a few weeks of consistent counseling sessions.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• No physical recovery needed.

  Instructions:

• Implement discussed coping strategies.

  Recovery Time:

• N/A for physical recovery; improvement in condition may vary.

Follow-Up:

• Regular counseling sessions as recommended by the treatment plan.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Peer support groups.

• Individual therapy without a specific additional MAT session.

  Pros and Cons:

• Alternatives may lack the tailored support provided by these 30-minute sessions, but can still offer significant support in a group context.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Patients should feel supported and understood.
• Active participation from the patient is encouraged to maximize the benefits.

After the Procedure:

• Possible emotional release.
• Increased motivation and clarity regarding recovery goals.

Pain Management/Comfort:

• Counseling sessions should be a safe and non-judgmental space, aimed at comfort and support.