Prescribing Protocols

From the Psychiatry Team at Mind Springs Health:

Welcome,
We are a well-trained group of medical providers, with expertise in prescribing psychiatric medications.  It is an exciting time to be in the field of psychiatry, as knowledge is exploding; research and practice habits are evolving rapidly.

It is our goal to provide you with treatment that is specific to your needs and aligned with the modern standard of care.  We achieve this by performing an initial diagnostic interview and regular follow-up visits.  Not only do these visits allow us to clarify diagnoses, but also helps us monitor for effectiveness and safety of medication interventions.  In addition to a psychiatric interview, this may require the patient, or family member, to fill out structured instruments, obtain laboratory testing (including urine drug screens), and some physical exam maneuvers.

To provide the most effective and evidenced-based treatment for mental health disorders, sometimes the prescribing of controlled substances is required.  We aim to provide care while minimizing the risk of addiction, diversion, and accidental overdose inherent in some high-risk medications.  Commonly, an individualized treatment plan will include both medications and psychotherapy.

At Mind Springs Health, we have the goal to minimize or eliminate the chronic prescription of benzodiazepines and z-drugs (such as ambien, lunesta, sonata) which have historically been used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. A growing body of evidence suggests that if benzodiazepines and z-drugs are used for long periods, they are associated with harmful side effects, including worsening anxiety, memory and sleep disturbances, and increased risk of dependence/addiction.  We believe that the most effective long-term management of stress, anxiety, and insomnia is achieved through evidenced-based psychotherapy such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  In the event a controlled substance is deemed medically necessary, then our team will try to utilize the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Sincerely,
The MSH Psychiatry Team

Refilling Medications:

970.683.7160

We recommend calling ahead to refill prescriptions. More often than not, if you call ahead in a timely manner, the prescription will be waiting for you when you arrive.

We have procedures in place to help refill medications in the most expedient manner possible, while ensuring medications are safely monitored.  In order to ensure there is no disruption in care, we have the following parameters in place:

  • If needing a refill, please call one week prior to when your prescription is needed.
  • In order to have a refill processed, you must have a follow-up appointment scheduled.
  • If you request a refill of a controlled substance and it is observed that you did not attend your most recent appointment, you have started a controlled substance from another provider, or there is evidence of abuse or diversion, then the refill request will not be granted.

We look forward to working with you on your path of healing and recovery.

Our Policies:

In accordance with Mind Springs Health Policy and the modern standard of care you can expect to:

  • Sign a controlled substance care plan with your provider
  • Complete regular in office visits with your provider
  • Complete regular and unannounced urine drug screens
  • Not be prescribed more than one controlled substance
  • Be asked to participate in psychotherapy

Our policies are designed by a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and quality specialists to reflect national and State of Colorado guidelines and best practices.