Which patients are exempt from querying the VPMS?

Patients who are undergoing chronic pain management associated with cancer treatment are exempt from querying the Vermont Prescription Monitoring System (VPMS). This exemption acknowledges the complexities and continuous needs of individuals suffering from cancer, where pain management with controlled substances is a common and necessary part of their treatment regimen.

Due to the nature of cancer pain, which may require higher doses and more frequent adjustments in medication, the exemption aims to facilitate timely and adequate pain relief without the bureaucratic delays that querying might cause. This approach highlights the understanding that patients in such circumstances may require ongoing, potent analgesics and thus prioritize their health and comfort.

Other categories, such as patients with diabetes or those under 18 years of age, may still require the VPMS query to ensure safe practices around medication prescribing and prevent misuse, while opioid-naive patients typically are monitored more closely to establish safe prescribing practices and prevent potential misuse or addiction.