Virtual Care for Treating Opioid Use Disorder: How Telehealth-Based Opioid Treatment Improves Access and Outcomes for People in Underserved Locations

Telehealth Based Opioid Treatment (TBOT) is a virtual, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) centered care approach, which has markedly increased due to the waived in-person first-visit requirement for prescribing controlled substances (waived during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency). Presenters will offer an overview of TBOT models and data regarding efficacy and impact on treatment access, as well as a look at specific organizations engaged in this work across multiple states and demographics. In conjunction with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and academic representatives, clinical leaders from Ophelia and Boulder Care will share findings of broad interest to policymakers and practitioners alike, including:
• Where, how, and why are these organizations operating.
• How telehealth reaches underserved individuals.
• How telehealth enables a timely, successful transition from fentanyl to MOUD.
• Which quality measures are used.
• What diversion control policies are used and how these compare with traditional treatment programs.
• Why and how TBOT programs utilize technology to identify and reach out to those who could benefit from treatment.

Each organization will share its approaches and discuss which have been more (or less) effective. The presenters will cover aspects of regulation and payment processes that have fostered or restricted the ability to meet patient needs via telehealth. Though governmental agency support has been critical, there is substantial uncertainty about the future of TBOT efforts. Presenters will also discuss the importance of downstream failures that occur after a patient receives a prescription, including failures of pharmacies to fill these legitimate prescriptions.