Using Telemedicine to Combat the Opioid Epidemic | HHS.gov

Using Telemedicine to Combat the Opioid Epidemic | HHS.gov

Telehealth Resource Center

Telehealth can play an important role in addressing the opioid epidemic by filling gaps in access to care and available workforce.  Expanding the use of telehealth for the delivery of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) complements comprehensive primary care services and coordination of patient care across providers. In a recent blog post, Using Telemedicine to Combat the Opioid Epidemic, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health alerted health care providers to how they can expand access to medication-assisted treatment through telemedicine.

Working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), HHS developed materials to help clarify how clinicians can use telemedicine as a tool to expand buprenorphine-based MAT for opioid use disorder treatment under current DEA regulations. The DEA guidance letter, DEA Diversion Control Division E-mail Statement: Use of Telemedicine While Providing MAT, along with a Clinical Case Scenario, supports the provision of telehealth services for opioid misuse. Providers in underserved urban areas and rural communities will want to take a closer look at these important resources. For additional information on telehealth, see the HRSA-funded Telehealth Resource Centers.