Restricting telehealth could hinder opioid recovery access

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine warn that limiting telehealth prescriptions for opioid use disorder may hurt efforts to help people recover from addiction. Their study, published on March 3 in JAMA Network Open, highlights the importance of keeping access to buprenorphine, a medication that aids recovery. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, patients needed in-person visits to receive prescriptions for controlled substances. This rule was relaxed in March 2020. It allowed doctors to prescribe buprenorphine through telehealth, making treatment easier for many, especially those in rural areas or with transportation issues. The study estimates that if the in-person requirement had remained in place, about 4,500 patients would have missed treatment between 2020 and 2022. The study analyzed around 229,000 first-time buprenorphine prescriptions issued in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022. Nearly 10% of these prescriptions were made through telehealth. Importantly, around 28% of patients had not met their prescribing doctor in the previous two years. The study found that people on Medicare and private insurance were more likely to start treatments without in-person visits compared to those on Medicaid. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) ruled in January 2025 that doctors could prescribe buprenorphine via telemedicine for an initial six-month supply. However, this rule is currently under review. Researchers believe that allowing telehealth treatment for six months before requiring an in-person visit can help overcome barriers to access. The findings suggest that policymakers should consider evidence-based telehealth regulations. These regulations can ensure safe prescribing while preventing obstacles for people looking to recover from addiction.