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Starting the conversation about tobacco and nicotine cessation can be challenging. The benefit of doing so is priceless and may be lifesaving.
- A 2020 CDC report indicates 13.1% of adults in Arizona smoke.
- A recent CAHPS survey showed that 68% of Mercy Care members who are smokers and tobacco users were advised to quit, 53% of these members’ providers discussed cessation medications with them, and just 49% of providers discussed cessation strategies.
Providers have an opportunity to make an impact on these rates and improve members lives. This video from the CDC talks about how nicotine affects the brain and supports cessation efforts.
Effective Treatments
There are many effective treatments available to tobacco and nicotine users. Guidance from the US Public Health Service (PHS) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) includes five nicotine replacement medications (NRT) and two non-nicotine medications (bupropion and varenicline). To generate the highest rates of tobacco/nicotine cessation, the PHS recommends medication combined with behavioral therapy.
Mercy Care's Preferred Drug List and Mercy Care Advantage's Preferred Drug List is available for your review on our website by clicking on the link. The Preferred Drug List covers several medications which prescribers can utilize to facilitate tobacco cessation. The chart below provides some examples. For more information, see this FDA-Approved Pharmacologic Product Guide.
Tobacco Cessation Medication List
Ways You Can Help
The Brief Tobacco Intervention
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Ask about tobacco use:
- "Do you currently smoke or use other forms of tobacco?"
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Advise the patient to quit:
- "Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health. I strongly encourage you to quit. Are you interested in quitting?"
- Refer the patient to resources:
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IF READY TO QUIT: Provide direct referrals to resources that will assist the patient in quitting. Provide direct referrals. Prescribe medications, if appropriate. "This is a resource I recommend. It will provide you with support, help you create a plan to quit, and talk to you about how to overcome urges you might have to smoke after you quit.”
Tobacco and Nicotine Basics (in Relias for Behavioral Health providers)
ASH Line
Referral to QUIT coaches, who are trained to help people who smoke to quit; will work to develop a personalized plan.
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This video discusses how the ASHLine Quit coaches assist members with quitting.
We encourage you to start the conversation today with members who use tobacco or nicotine products.
Please don't hesitate to contact your Mercy Care Network Management Representative with any questions or comments. You can find this Notice and all other provider notices on our Mercy Care website.
Thanks for all you do!
Additional Resources
Sources
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