Telemedicine Buprenorphine: Expanding Access to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Episode Overview
Telemedicine can expand access to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. The Biden administration's new ruling allows audio-only visits for prescribing buprenorphine. Telehealth offers practical benefits by reducing patient churn due to logistical issues. Pharmacies play a crucial role in verifying prescriptions under the new regulation. Coordination between law enforcement and medical communities is essential to reduce stigma around addiction treatment.
Patients lie. And of course, we're aware that people aren't always forthcoming with us.
In this episode of 'Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals', the focus is on the expanding access to opioid use disorder treatment through telemedicine. Host Terri Vidals, a seasoned pharmacist, sits down with Dr. Stuart Gitlow, a notable expert in addiction medicine, to discuss the Biden administration's new ruling that allows providers to prescribe buprenorphine via telehealth, including audio-only visits, without needing an initial in-person evaluation. Dr.
Gitlow shares his experiences and insights on how this ruling could change the landscape of addiction treatment. He reflects on the challenges and benefits of telemedicine, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and addresses concerns about potential misuse of buprenorphine prescriptions. The episode also touches on the importance of maintaining a patient-doctor relationship and ensuring that the treatment provided is both effective and safe. Dr.
Gitlow's anecdotes about patient churn and the logistical issues faced by patients highlight the practical benefits of telemedicine in addiction treatment. The discussion also covers the role of pharmacies in verifying prescriptions and the need for better coordination between law enforcement and medical communities to reduce stigma around addiction treatment.
This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals looking to understand the implications of telemedicine in opioid use disorder treatment and for anyone interested in the evolving strategies to combat substance abuse.