Telehealth's Future: Navigating Substance Use Treatment Post-COVID
Being able to do that virtually has, I think, a really great option for folks like that. But there are some challenges that this poses.
Imagine needing vital treatment but facing a maze of regulations. That's the reality for many dealing with substance use disorders, especially in the wake of COVID-19. In this thought-provoking episode of 'Mission: Recovery', Nate Lacktman and Sunny Levine from Foley & Lardner dive into the complex world of telehealth regulations. They explore how the pandemic has reshaped virtual care, particularly for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders.
But with the potential end of the public health emergency, what does the future hold? Nate and Sunny shed light on the 'Telehealth Cliff', where current waivers allowing virtual MAT prescriptions might expire, leaving patients in limbo. They discuss the importance of ePrescribing and the legislative efforts needed to make these services permanent. This episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by or interested in the intersection of healthcare technology and addiction treatment.
By the end, you'll understand why cohesive policies are crucial and how public support can influence upcoming decisions.