A controlled substance agreement is an important tool used by healthcare providers to safely and responsibly prescribe medications that are classified as controlled substances. The Controlled Substance Agreement CPT code is a billing code used by healthcare providers to accurately charge for the time and effort required to create and maintain these agreements.

Controlled substances are medications that have the potential to be abused or cause dependence. Examples include opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, and healthcare providers have a responsibility to ensure that medications are prescribed and used appropriately.

One way to do this is through the use of a controlled substance agreement, also known as a pain management agreement or opioid therapy agreement. This is a written agreement between the healthcare provider and patient that outlines the responsibilities of both parties when it comes to the use of controlled substances.

The agreement typically includes information such as the patient`s medical history, the purpose of the medication, the risks and benefits of the medication, and the expectations for the patient`s behavior while taking the medication. The patient must agree to follow the terms of the agreement, which often include things like using only one pharmacy, not sharing the medication with others, and attending regular appointments with the healthcare provider.

Creating and maintaining these agreements takes time and effort, and healthcare providers can use the Controlled Substance Agreement CPT code (98966-98968) to bill for this work. The code covers the time spent preparing the agreement, reviewing it with the patient, and monitoring the patient`s compliance with the agreement.

In addition to being a billing code, the use of the Controlled Substance Agreement CPT code also serves as a record of the provider`s efforts to promote safe prescribing practices. When used appropriately, controlled substance agreements can help prevent prescription drug abuse, reduce the risk of adverse side effects, and improve patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the Controlled Substance Agreement CPT code is an important tool for healthcare providers who prescribe controlled substances. It allows providers to bill for the time and effort required to create and maintain these agreements, and also serves as a record of their efforts to promote safe and responsible prescribing practices. By working together with their patients, healthcare providers can help prevent prescription drug abuse and improve patient outcomes.