As is the standard of care for any complex or chronic medical condition, clinicians should provide health management to patients with OUD. By definition, health management includes, but is not limited to: providing non-judgmental support and advice; assessing motivation and exploring barriers to change; developing and regularly reviewing a treatment and recovery plan with the patient; promoting complementary strategies for managing stress; and providing referrals to specialized medical care, recovery support, and social services when requested or appropriate.95 

Management of OUD in primary care also allows for the provision of more comprehensive care, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Screening and clinical management of co-occurring substance use disorders, concurrent mental health disorders, concurrent medical conditions, and opioid- and injection-related sequelae (e.g., prolonged QT interval, cardiovascular diseases, cellulitis, HIV, hepatitis C) 
• Preventive health care (e.g., vaccinations, general health screening) 
• Sexual and reproductive health services (e.g., sexually-transmitted infection screening, contraceptive counselling, family planning)
• Chronic disease management (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• Referrals to specialist care
• Referrals to community-based social supports