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NC CSRS now issuing ‘clinical alerts’ on high-risk patients

The NC Controlled Substances Reporting System (NC CSRS) recently began sending physicians, PAs and other controlled substances prescribers alerts aimed at improving the quality and safety of patient care.

As of Dec. 9, NC CSRS began generating an alert for any patient who fills controlled substances prescriptions written by 7+ prescribers and fills them at 7+ pharmacies within three months. Clinicians can access the alerts in multiple ways – through their AWARxE dashboard notifications, in a patient report and via monthly email notifications sent by NC CSRS. Prescribers will only receive a monthly email if one or more patients is the subject of an alert.

Please note that receipt of a clinical alert does not indicate unlawful or inappropriate patient behavior. NC CSRS suggests that alerts be used as a “conversation starter” to help prescribing clinicians better understand the patient’s medical needs and, potentially, help identify ways to optimize care. NC CSRS expressly notes that it does not intend for alerts to serve as justification for ceasing controlled substances prescribing or dismissing a patient from care.

If you have feedback or questions about Clinical Alerts, please contact NC CSRS at nccsrs@dhhs.nc.gov.

If you need assistance logging into NC CSRS, please visit the Bamboo Health PMP AWARxE Support Center for assistance.