Courtesy Methadone Guest Dosing Policies
If you’re traveling soon, tell your counselor! You may be eligible for guest dosing (sometimes referred to as “courtesy dosing) at another clinic.
For Patients
Whether you’re traveling for work, taking a vacation, or simply can’t make it to your “home” clinic, Community Medical Services can help you access the medication you need. Our guest dosing policies ensure that patients currently enrolled in an opioid treatment program can receive their medication no matter where they are.
Our Guest Dosing Policies at CMS
We understand that circumstances arise in which patients cannot make it to the clinic to receive medication. Community Medical Services offers guest dosing to individuals enrolled in other opioid treatment programs who make arrangements ahead of time. A minimum of one-week notice is required to arrange guest dosing requests for CMS clients; emergency requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Outside agencies requesting a guest dose for their patients will be charged $20 for the appointment.
To ensure patients can receive a guest dose, please notify your treatment team at least 7 days in advance so they can assist with locating a clinic and coordinating your care. CMS requires a written request, including the following information to arrange dosing at another clinic:
- Client name
- Signed release of information
- Client’s current opioid treatment medication and dose amount
- Phase level
- Requested dates of guest dose (must include start and end dates)
CMS reserves the right to refuse guest dosing to any individual. Reasons for refusal include, but are not limited to, inappropriate behavior, arriving at the clinic impaired, providing false information, lack of picture ID, or inability to pay. Please note that due to federal requirements, patients cannot guest dose for more than 28 days.
How Courtesy or Guest Dosing Works
If you need to receive your medication at a different clinic, reach out to your current provider at least seven days in advance of your guest dose. Be sure to bring your ID and a lockbox for any take-home doses you receive (lockbox requirements vary by state and clinic). Once you return from dosing at another clinic, expect a nurse from your home clinic to call you to confirm you received your dose. We also recommend using our guest dosing guide to ensure you arrive on time to receive your dose and have all the details you need to keep your home clinic informed.
Read Our Guest Dosing Guide
Schedule Your Guest Dose Today
If you’re planning a trip or know you won’t be able to make it to your usual clinic for your next dose, we’re here to help. Reach out to your clinic today to start planning for your guest dosing.
Get Dosing Help
The Benefits of Guest Dosing with CMS
Community Medical Services is here to support patients and clinicians alike, ensuring that those struggling with opioid use disorder have the support and treatment they need. Some of the benefits of our guest dosing program include:
Multiple Medications Available
Whether you’re taking methadone or buprenorphine medication, CMS offers a variety of medication options and dosages to match your existing treatment plan.
Elevated Convenience
Your life shouldn’t have to stop just because you need to get your medication. Our guest dosing program ensures you can access your medication without disrupting your schedule.
Treatment Adherance
By continuing your medication on schedule, even while traveling, you ensure that you can maintain your progress and continue working toward a sustainable recovery.
Reduced Risk of Relapse
Following your medication regimen helps keep you on the right path, ensuring you have all the tools you need to succeed without relapsing.
Find a Guest Dosing Provider Near You
The team at Community Medical Services is here to support you on your road to recovery. To discuss your options for guest dosing, contact us today.
