Making the switch to telehealth opioid addiction treatment

When you take the first step to seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), it can feel like your options are limited. Meeting with an OUD provider in person can be challenging for those with mobility, health, or transportation issues—not to mention the fear of judgment. If there’s a barrier stopping you from getting the help you need, you should know that in-person treatment is not the only option.

The increased use of telehealth has transformed the way patients receive care, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is no exception. Telehealth addiction treatment has expanded access to MAT and removed barriers to treatment. In fact, recent research shows that allowing telemedicine buprenorphine prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of patients who started and stayed in treatment without increasing rates of overdose deaths.

Ophelia is an evidence-based telehealth provider of MAT. With Ophelia, you can expect a high standard of care and attention as you begin and continue managing OUD. Making the switch is simple, and it’s worth it. Below, we’ll explain our intake and treatment process and how it can provide lifesaving care.

How Ophelia’s telehealth approach to MAT saves lives

1. It’s more hassle-free than you think

For many people with OUD, taking the first step is the hardest part. Are you eligible for care? Will your insurance cover medication-assisted treatment? When you connect with Ophelia, we can help you through this process virtually, over the phone, or via text.

We won’t let you get bogged down by the details. Ophelia has its own in-house enrollment coordinators who will work with you to determine your eligibility and insurance, as well as our availability in your state. Our team handles the complicated side of care so you can focus on what’s important: getting the treatment you need.

2. Your “intake visit” is comprehensive

During your first telehealth addiction treatment consultation—or “intake visit”—your clinician will encourage you to be as open as possible about your medical, treatment, social, and substance use history. Rest assured, our team is compassionate and judgment-free. No stigma. No shame. Just comprehensive treatment that caters to your health, comfort, and needs.

With this information, your clinician can design a custom treatment plan. If you’re eligible, we’ll send buprenorphine-naloxone tablets or films (your Suboxone® prescription) and any necessary comfort medications to a local pharmacy. Our team will make sure your prescription is filled and provide detailed instructions for taking your medications.

3. You’ll receive specific guidance about Suboxone

Prescribing Suboxone via telemedicine is safe and effective. If you’re not already on Suboxone, you’ll get a lot of hand holding during your induction. Your clinician will give you specific directions for how and when to take your medication so there’s no confusion.

When you stop taking opioids, you’ll feel some withdrawal symptoms before you can start your induction medication. In order to help you stay as comfortable as possible, we will prescribe a combination of medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Within the first 24 hours, you might experience:

• Restlessness and anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Teary eyes
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating

During this process, you won’t be alone. We’ll have a scheduled check-in call to see how you’re doing and to make sure you have access to medications for comfort. You can always reach out at any time if you have any questions, problems, or concerns or if you simply need support.

4. Routine check-ins make commitment easier

Emergency authorities issued due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed OUD providers to give prescriptions through telehealth. A 2022 study of telehealth use found that patients getting telehealth addiction treatment were 27% more likely to stay on their medications and 33% less likely to suffer an overdose. Ease of access and continued care from providers makes a huge difference.

At Ophelia, your treatment isn’t over when the medications are prescribed—we stick with you throughout your care. After your initial intake, you’ll have a weekly check-in with your clinician. The goal is to make sure your medication treatment plan is working for you. If you’re having issues with your prescription or care, we can make adjustments where necessary.

5. You decide what kind of “extra” support you need

We don’t make you go to group therapy or jump through hoops to get care. Forcing people into treatments they don’t want is not effective, and it’s not what we’re here to do. Our goal is to get you the help you need to feel better when you need it. You know yourself and your health best. We’re here to remove barriers and provide comprehensive support to reach your goals.

Ophelia offers a variety of holistic options at no extra cost. For example, you might benefit from access to additional support on medications designed to relieve withdrawal symptoms. We also provide diagnostics and treatment for mental health conditions related to opioid use disorder, like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and smoking cessation. 

If you’re ready to make the switch to Suboxone telemedicine treatment, set up a brief welcome call with Ophelia. We’ll determine if you’re a good fit for MAT and eligible for treatment.