Development of a Low-Barrier, Reimbursable Take-Home Naloxone Program at a Regional Health System.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Take-home naloxone (THN) programs in emergency departments (ED) can reduce opioid overdose deaths by providing naloxone directly to at-risk patients before discharge. However, sustainable models that integrate reimbursement and workflow alignment remain limited.

Methods

A reimbursable ED-led THN program was developed across a large regional health system. The program used electronic health record (EHR)-integrated ordering, on-site kit dispensing, and third-party insurance billing when available. Kits were stocked in automated medication dispensing systems and supplemented by city-provided stock for uninsured patients. Pilot outcomes included kits dispensed and reimbursement rates across eight participating EDs.

Results

A total of 2,520 naloxone kits were

SUBMITTER: London KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12698159 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature