Opioid management

Our approach

By better understanding the medications prescribed to TAC clients, we can help them and their providers safely and appropriately manage medication consumption related to opioids and other high-risk medications.

This approach allows us to:

  • Meet our obligations regarding client safety for those who may be at risk from opioids and other high-risk medications.
  • Understand more about a client’s recovery progress and planning related to the ongoing use of these medications.
  • Understand the context of our clients’ opioid use, make claims decisions and minimise the risk of harm.
  • Offer support to medical practitioners in the management of opioids and other high-risk medications for these clients.
  • Align our approach with Victoria’s SafeScript system.

Information from providers

When we identify prolonged or high doses of opioids or other high-risk medications, we may ask the client’s GP for information.  This may include:

The information will help us make decisions about the ongoing funding of these medications and help ensure their safe provision. We will also use this information to understand more about the client's recovery progress and planning related to the ongoing use of these medications.

Payment for providers

The TAC Opioid Safety Check and TAC Opioid Management Plan simplify for GPs the process for providing opioid prescription information to the TAC.

TAC Opioid Safety Check

The TAC Opioid Safety Check asks the GP to answer three short questions about the client’s opioid requirement, risk factors and opioid tapering plan.

When you complete the TAC Opioid Safety Check, you can invoice the TAC for a General Practitioner Short Report (TAC item number TTR310). See fee schedule.

If you choose to complete the TAC Opioid Safety Check with the client, you can also invoice the TAC for the relevant MBS item number for that consultation.

TAC Opioid Management Plan

The TAC Opioid Management Plan asks the GP about the clinical rationale and regulatory components of the client’s opioid usage. The multiple-choice and short-answer questions take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

When you complete the TAC Opioid Management Plan, you can invoice the TAC for a General Practitioner Standard Report (TAC item number TTR320). See fee schedule.

If you choose to complete the TAC Opioid Management Plan with the client, you can also invoice the TAC for the relevant MBS item number for that consultation.

Resources

The TAC Clinical Panel consists of experienced health and medical professionals who can support you as you treat TAC clients. They can provide advice about the most effective treatment options and pathways and offer recommendations for managing complex clients. If you would like a clinician from the Clinical Panel to contact you in regard to your patient’s treatment please complete the webform at tac.vic.gov.au/clinical-panel-contact and your request will be directed to the most relevant person to assist.

The TAC website provides useful information to support you as you treat TAC clients. Access information for general practitioners at tac.vic.gov.au/gp

You can contact the SafeScript GP Clinical Advisory Service for peer-to-peer support from advisors who have received comprehensive training in pain management, addiction and mental health. Call 1800 812 804 or visit www2.health.vic.gov.au/safescript

The National Prescribing Service (NPS) offers the following resources on opioid tapering and opioid use disorders: