Previous Referral Platform
Accessible through the New York State Health Commerce System, it facilitated referrals across New York in about 5 minutes, sent referral confirmations via secure fax, and required a universal password to access the referral platform.
Enhanced Referral Platform*
Accessible through the MATTERS site, it facilitates referrals in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in as little as 3 minutes, referral confirmations are sent via email or text message, and each organization has its own unique administrative homepage to manage their account.
*Patent pending
Set Up Walk-In Hours
Organizations that offer walk-in hours can now add and manage their walk-in availability directly in the referral platform.
Action Required: Log in to the platform to add or update your walk-in availability.
Patient Services Selections
Receiving organizations can now view the treatment services patients selected during the referral process, helping prepare for intake and guide the initial conversation.
Bridge Prescription Requests
Patients are now asked whether they need a bridge prescription during the referral process. If requested, they’ll be directed to schedule a MATTERS telemedicine appointment through a link on the confirmation page.
Treatment Organization Filter
It’s now easier than ever to specify what you’re looking for when searching treatment organizations for follow-up. Filter available services such as preferred language, treatment for Hepatitis-C, COVID-19 testing, specific forms of medication for addiction treatment (MAT), and more!
When filtering treatment organizations by services, organizations are now displayed with the best matches first based on the services requested. Available services are also highlighted to help patients make informed selections.
HCV Referral Enhancement (NYS only)
EMConnect, our telemedicine partner that provides referrals and bridge prescriptions, can now submit an HCV referral alongside a patient’s OUD treatment referral when HCV screening is requested.
These HCV referrals will be sent to SUD treatment organizations that offer HCV screening as an additional service alongside their OUD treatment programs, helping connect patients to expanded care options.
Improved Medication Details for Referrals (NJ and NY only)
We have enhanced medication-related referral questions to capture additional details needed for treatment coordination. Clinical partners will now be prompted to provide medication information, now including methadone, dosing details, and the approximate time of administration.
This update helps ensure that SUD treatment organizations and OTPs have the information needed to support a smoother intake process
Peer Search Enhancements (NY and PA)
During the referral process, individuals can opt in to be contacted by a peer in recovery for additional support. For organizations that offer peer support services, patients can now choose to receive peer support from the same organization providing their OUD treatment or select a different peer support organization, as they could previously. If a patient selects the same organization for both OUD treatment and peer support, your organization will receive two separate referrals – one for OUD treatment and one for peer support.
Referral Follow-Ups
MATTERS staff follow up with everyone referred through the platform within 72 hours of their referral, and again 30-, 60-, and 90-days to ensure continuity of care. Now, in addition to following up with those referred, the MATTERS platform will automatically send notifications to receiving treatment partners to improve referral management and ensure long-term linkage to care.
Touch Points
- Day 3
- Day 14
- Day 30
Automated for Better Care
- Monitor referral status
- Review relevant notes and details
Manage Referrals on
your unique administrative dashboard
Update appointment availability, view referral history, edit services provided, add/manage users, and more on the MATTERS platform*!
*Patent pending
Enhanced Medication Voucher Functionality
The MATTERS team can now resend, invalidate, or generate new medication vouchers without submitting a duplicate referral. Need help with a voucher? Don’t hesitate to call us at 765-MATTERS.
More Updated Features
Referral Process Available in Spanish
The referral process can now be completed in Spanish. Select Español as the preferred language after entering your organization’s unique referral access code.
SOC2 Type I HIPAA Compliance
Reflecting on our ongoing commitment to protecting patient data and supporting healthcare organizations with secure technology.
Statewide Partner Webinar
Explore the latest MATTERS Referral Platform© updates and features through a live overview led by our Outreach team.