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Provider impacts due to the new CMS Final Rule Update, effective January 1, 2025
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added two new measures, effective January 1, 2025, impacting the concurrent use of opioid and benzodiazepine medications and the concurrent use of multiple anticholinergic medications.
- The concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines – providers should review the members that are concurrently using these medications because it exposes them to high risk of falls, respiratory depression, and fatal overdose.
- The concurrent use of multiple anticholinergic medications – providers should review the members that concurrently use two or more anticholinergic medications because it increases risk of falls and cognitive decline in older adults.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has been proactively communicating to providers the clinical risks based on these two new measures. After the effective date, this communication will continue more frequently.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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