Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services published a final rule permanently allowing opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to use telehealth (phone-only or video-based) in initiating buprenorphine treatment, a flexibility introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that treatment with buprenorphine, a form of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), via telehealth has the same or better retention outcomes compared to in-person treatment. The rule also permanently allows certain flexibilities for “take-home” doses of methadone, a form of MOUD that can only be dispensed in OTPs.

Outside of the context of OTP providers, questions remain on the permanency of telehealth and opioid use disorder (OUD) flexibilities. A final rule related to these other health care providers, such as outpatient addiction providers, hospitals, and primary care providers, is expected in fall 2024.

Health care policymakers, providers, and health plans can explore this Better Care Playbook Evidence Roundup to better understand evidence on the use of telehealth in MOUD treatment for people with OUD, which is associated with strong patient satisfaction, program retention, and adherence to buprenorphine treatment.