Quick recap

Noelle and Crystal discussed the challenges of work-related travel and catching up on tasks, while also exploring Noelle's interest in learning more about Be Well, a program under the University of Texas umbrella. Crystal provided background on Be Well's evolution from a substance use treatment center to a centralized funding organization in Texas, including details about its funding structure and new requirements for healthcare providers. The conversation concluded with discussions about connecting with key contacts at the university, organizing medical director meetings, and strategies for engaging healthcare providers through continuing education and networking opportunities.

Next steps

• Crystal to find and email the list of providers in the Treatment Provider Network to Noelle.

• Noelle to reach out to Dr. Jennifer Potter for a connection with Be Well Texas.

• Crystal to connect Noelle with major players in Be Well Texas.

• Noelle to contact Carlos Tirado regarding ASAM Texas Chapter involvement and potential collaboration.

• Noelle to consider organizing an ASAP meeting or side meeting at the Texas Substance Use Symposium hosted by Be Well Texas.

• Noelle to explore the possibility of offering CME credits at future ASAP medical director meetings to increase attendance.

• Crystal and Noelle to schedule a coffee meeting to further discuss collaboration opportunities.

• Noelle to investigate potential partnerships with ASAM and Be Well Texas to attract more private providers to ASAP.

• Noelle to review the format and frequency of medical director meetings to improve attendance and engagement.

  
  

Summary

Be Well Program Discussion Overview

Noelle and Crystal discuss the challenges of work-related travel and catching up on tasks. Noelle expresses interest in learning more about Be Well, a program under the University of Texas umbrella. Crystal joins the conversation and is identified as someone who can provide detailed information about Be Well.

Be Well's Expansion and Integration

Crystal provides background on the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTESCA) and its evolution into Be Well, a centralized substance use treatment center in Texas. She explains how Be Well has expanded its reach beyond traditional substance use treatment centers to include private practices, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Crystal notes that ASAP has not fully connected with Be Well, and suggests that Noelle could benefit from making connections with Be Well to understand how it operates. The discussion also touches on the challenges of virtual meetings and the use of AI meeting notes.

Program Funding Structure Changes

Crystal explains the funding structure for various programs, including the OBOT program. She notes that while many programs were traditionally funded directly by HHSC, some are now managed through the university system. Crystal highlights the pros and cons of this arrangement, mentioning that the university offers better educational resources, data management, and hosts a large annual conference. However, she also points out that having an intermediary adds complexity to the funding process, as organizations must now navigate both HHSC and university regulations.

Be Well's New Contract Requirements

Crystal explains that Be Well, a funding organization, has added new requirements to their contracts with healthcare providers. These include mandatory attendance at 12 Echo Sessions per year for OBAT (Office-Based Addiction Treatment) contracts. While Be Well presents these additions as beneficial for standardizing education and practices, Crystal views them as a way to steer providers in a specific direction. Noelle provides background information, noting that Be Well was initially treated as a provider member of ASAP before evolving into a funder role.

Be Well's Role in Texas Treatment

Crystal discusses the complex role of Be Well in substance use treatment in Texas. She notes that while Be Well has significant power and aims to centralize resources, most of its employees are excellent to work with. Crystal acknowledges the organization's laudable mission and modern approach, focusing on harm reduction, decreasing stigma, and evidence-based treatment models. However, she also points out that this approach may not suit everyone, potentially leaving some individuals without support.

UTESCA Funding and Program Management

Crystal explains that UTESCA receives funding from HHSC to manage outpatient suboxone treatment services and other opioid-related programs. They distribute this funding to various providers, including OBOT clinics and methadone clinics. UTESCA also offers educational resources, such as free CMEs, echo sessions, and a mentorship program for new prescribers in substance use treatment. Noelle suggests that understanding UTESCA's strategic plan could help align programming and improve funding opportunities. Crystal mentions that UTESCA is currently scrambling to manage the RSS contract they recently received, highlighting the challenges of being a middleman in the funding process.

University Contact Strategy Discussion

Crystal and Noelle discuss key contacts at the university, including Dr. Potter, Dr. Adrienne Lindsey, Cameron Deal, and Ruben. They explore the idea of involving these contacts more in their membership and aligning goals with the university's initiatives. Crystal emphasizes the value of ASAP in connecting treatment providers across Texas and its role in lobbying for beneficial legislation. They consider how to leverage these connections to support providers, especially those in remote areas, and to enhance their overall impact in the field.

Enhancing Medical Director Meeting Attendance

Crystal and Noelle discuss the declining attendance at quarterly medical director meetings. They consider reverting to annual meetings and improving communication by sending out agendas in advance. The conversation touches on the challenges of getting physicians to testify at hearings due to short notice and scheduling conflicts. They also reflect on the differences between virtual and in-person meetings, noting that in-person connections are valuable but harder to arrange. The discussion concludes with the acknowledgment that patient care often takes priority over virtual meetings for doctors.

ASAM Texas Collaboration Planning

Crystal and Noelle discuss connecting with Be Well Texas to organize an American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Texas Chapter meeting as part of a larger event. They also consider reaching out to medical directors involved in opioid treatment and mention the absorption of SHOUT Texas, a hospital-based opioid treatment resource, by Be Well Texas. The conversation highlights the disconnected nature of the addiction treatment industry in Texas and the potential benefits of better collaboration between organizations.

Healthcare Provider Engagement Strategies

Crystal and Noelle discuss strategies for connecting with and attracting healthcare providers, particularly prescribers, to their organization. They suggest partnering with entities like ASAM and offering continuing education credits (CMEs) at conferences as effective ways to engage providers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of making events appealing by offering additional benefits such as networking opportunities, free meals, and attractive locations, which can help attract both private and public sector providers.

ASAM Connections and Resources Discussion

Crystal and Noelle discuss potential connections and resources related to ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine). They mention Carlos Gerardo as a possible contact for ASAM-related information. Crystal explains her involvement in the Texas Chapter of ASAM and suggests reaching out to Dr. Potter, described as the "grand poobah" of Be Well. Noelle proposes introducing Crystal to Dr. Potter via email. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation and plans to meet for coffee in the future.