Are you looking for a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) in Utah? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This guide is here to help you with all the valuable information you need about the process, education requirements, patient caps, and pricing.

What is a QMP?

A QMP in Utah is a licensed healthcare professional who can give eligible patients recommendations for medical cannabis. This includes doctors of medicine, osteopathic physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and physician assistants (PAs). These amazing professionals undergo specific training and certification to become QMPs.

Can any doctor recommend / prescribe cannabis?

Education requirements for QMPs are essential to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding of medical cannabis. QMPs are required to undergo specific education and training as mandated by Utah state law. This training covers topics like the benefits, risks, dosage guidelines, and patient eligibility criteria for medical cannabis. By completing this education, QMPs gain the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about recommending medical cannabis to their patients.

How to find a QMP in Utah?

It’s actually quite simple! Start by doing an online search for “Utah QMP list” or “Utah medical cannabis doctors.”

You’ll find reputable sources like:

• Utah Department of Health (UDOH) website,
• Medical cannabis clinics
• Verified Directories.
• It’s always a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or local patient support groups who have already been through the process. They can give you some great insights! If you need further recommendations, reach out to the UPC for help with assistance.

Once you have a list of potential QMPs or clinics, it’s time to schedule a consultation. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your medical condition, treatment options, and the process of obtaining a medical cannabis recommendation. It’s an opportunity for you to get all your questions answered and make an informed decision.

Patient Caps for QMPs

In Utah, QMPs have limits on the number of patients they can recommend medical cannabis to. QMP patient caps were mush more strict in the beginning of the program, but with the help and lobbying done by UPC, the caps have been raised.  This limit is calculated as 1.5% of the total number of registered medical cannabis patient cardholders. However, there’s a cool exception to this rule. If a medical provider receives payment from a patient’s insurance plan for services, then that patient whose insurance plan was billed doesn’t count toward the 1.5% patient cap. So, it’s a way to ensure that patients who have insurance coverage can still receive the care they need without affecting the cap.

You might also come across the term “Limited Medical Provider” or LMP. These are physicians who can prescribe controlled substances and recommend medical cannabis to 15 of their patients without becoming a full-fledged QMP. It’s another option to consider that was made available with the dedication from the UPC team. .

Virtual Consultations

Some QMPs and medical cannabis clinics in Utah offer online consultations for medical cannabis recommendations. These virtual appointments provide convenience and accessibility, especially for patients who may have difficulty visiting a physical clinic. The best part is that online consultations adhere to the same requirements and regulations as in-person consultations, ensuring a thorough assessment of your medical condition.

QMP Pricing

The cost of a QMP consultation and medical cannabis recommendation can vary depending on the healthcare professional, clinic, or location. To find out more about pricing, the UHHS has provided a comprehensive list of pricing across the state.  It’s always a good idea to contact different QMPs or clinics to inquire about their pricing structures and any additional fees. Some clinics might even offer package deals that include follow-up consultations and assistance with the registration process for a medical cannabis card.

Patients needing financial assistance in Utah can apply with the Utah Patients Subsidy Program.  Participating QMPs offer free or subsidized appointments for struggling patients.

The EVS

EVS an online platform that allows patients, QMPs, and medical cannabis pharmacies to access and manage their medical cannabis information. It’s a secure and efficient way to register as a patient, verify QMP recommendations, and keep track of your medical cannabis card applications. It’s a handy tool to make the process smoother and more convenient.

Once you’ve obtained your medical cannabis card in Utah, you’ll receive login credentials for the EVS Utah online portal. This portal allows you to access your medical cannabis card, keep track of its expiration date, update your personal information, and manage your medical cannabis registration. It’s a convenient way to stay organized and ensure you have all the necessary information at your fingertips.

Renewals

When it comes to renewing your Utah medical cannabis card, you’ll need to consult with a QMP again to obtain a new recommendation. The renewal process usually follows a similar pattern as the initial application. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the expiration date of your medical cannabis card to ensure uninterrupted access to medical cannabis.

Finding a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) in Utah is crucial if you’re seeking access to medical cannabis and can make a huge difference in the level of care. By doing thorough research, consulting with QMPs, and understanding the education requirements, patient caps, and pricing, you’ll be able to navigate the process more effectively. Remember to stay informed about any updates or changes to Utah’s medical cannabis program by referring to official sources like the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) website.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Good luck in finding the right QMP for your needs, and we hope you find relief and improved well-being through Utah’s medical cannabis program! As always, feel free to reach out to our volunteers who are happy to help Utah patients with their medical cannabis journey.