Can buprenorphine be prescribed through telehealth?
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RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 2 days ago
For people in rural areas or with busy jobs, getting to an office can be the biggest barrier to opioid treatment. Can buprenorphine be started by telehealth?
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 2 days ago · general information, not medical advice
In many cases, yes. Federal rules allow buprenorphine for opioid use disorder to be prescribed through telehealth, and many clinics and online programs offer it. The details, such as when a video visit is required and when an in-person visit is needed, have changed several times in recent years, so ask the prescriber what applies to you now.
What to ask a telehealth program:
- Are your prescribers licensed in my state?
- Do you take my insurance or Medicaid?
- How do you handle starting buprenorphine if I've been using fentanyl?
- What counseling or support comes with it?
- What happens if I need to switch to in-person care?
Your own primary care doctor may also be able to prescribe buprenorphine. You can find programs at FindTreatment.gov or by calling SAMHSA's free helpline, 1-800-662-4357.
Read more: Medication for opioid use disorder
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