When you receive buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) through telehealth services in [location], there are several benefits:
- Convenience: You can receive treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) without leaving the comfort of your own home and without traveling to and from a clinic. Many telehealth companies also offer drug-testing that you can do at home, helping hold you accountable to your recovery without traveling to a lab for testing.
- Increased ACCESS to treatment: While you live in [location], the doctor that prescribes you buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) could be from any state. This means that there are MORE doctors readily available, promoting more speedy initial treatment (getting you started) and ongoing treatment and support in your recovery. This includes better access to both medication and behavioral health treatment.
- Pricing & Insurance coverage: Telehealth services are covered by your insurance at the same rate that in-person appointments are. Additionally, you do not have to spend money on transportation.
- Appointment availability: With more providers available and in different locations (and different time zones) across the country, telehealth services offer more flexible appointment times.
- They work! : Initial studies suggest that telehealth services may improve your ability to stay in recovery long-term and increase access to treatment, especially in urban, rural, and remote areas. Relapse rates are similar (when comparing in-person and telehealth services). Also, you can still build a meaningful relationship with your provider with telehealth services. So, you can reap the benefits of treatment over the phone or computer!
Of course, there are also downsides. You may miss being physically connected to your treatment provider or other patients struggling with addiction. For some patients, leaving your house and showing up to an in-person visit holds you more accountable and gets you out of the monotony of your day. You will also have to adapt to the new phone and computer-based technologies, though most telehealth services will help you with this.
