Vori Health and Ophelia Join Hands for Effective Pain Management

In this partnership, Vori will refer patients to Ophelia for OUD treatment, while Ophelia will refer patients to Vori for opioid-free MSK pain management.

New York-based Ophelia,  an opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment provider, has partnered with Nashville-based Vori Health, a musculoskeletal (MSK) focused care provider. The aim is to assist patients in managing pain through non-opioid methods.

The partnership involves mutual referrals between the two providers. Vori will refer patients to Ophelia for OUD treatment, while Ophelia will direct patients to Vori for opioid-free MSK pain management. The ultimate goal is to better understand comorbidities in their patient populations.

Zack Gray, founder and CEO of Ophelia, said, "While there are general estimates at a population level, we are only just beginning to delve into specificities within our respective patient groups."

With drug overdose being a significant cause of mortality in the US, many of these fatalities can be attributed to opioid usage. Simultaneously, over half of opioid users report experiencing low back pain.

A concerning trend is the prescription of opioids for MSK pain, where newly diagnosed patients receive opioid prescriptions over 20% of the time, surpassing recommended non-opioid and non-pharmacologic alternatives like physical therapy and counseling.

For Ophelia patients dealing with chronic pain, referrals to pain management specialists are attempted, although most of their patients lack a primary care provider in underserved rural areas. Affordability is a significant concern, particularly for those covered by Medicaid.

Ryan Grant, MD, CEO and founder of Vori, noted, "The challenge is to remove obstacles for patients to access a medical provider who can genuinely, privately, and affordably treat them."

Vori's integrated care team, including doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists, and health coaches, tailors personalised care plans for patients with MSK pain. This integrated approach is seen as a departure from the traditional healthcare system, where pain may be treated with opioids without addressing the root cause or potential development of OUD.

Chronic pain, a condition closely linked to opioid abuse, is a significant concern. Four in 10 Vori patients grapple with chronic pain, increasing their vulnerability to opioid misuse.

The strategic partnership with Ophelia allows patients to opt into a private program, offering rehabilitation alternatives. 

This partnership aims to bridge the gap, making legitimate and private medical treatment accessible and affordable for those in need.

As the collaboration progresses, Ophelia providers aspire to enhance their ability to evaluate pain in patients and better address this crucial aspect of healthcare.