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At Ophelia, our mission is to make high-quality treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) accessible to all. As we close out 2024, we’re reflecting on the strides we’ve made this year—both in improving patients' access and leading advocacy for a better healthcare future.
This year, helping people meant...
…Breaking barriers as the first fully virtual Center of Excellence in Pennsylvania.
We’re honored to have earned the PA Center of Excellence (CoE) designation, joining the ranks of prestigious programs like UPenn and Geisinger. Ophelia is the first fully virtual provider to receive this recognition — a testament to the effectiveness of our model and outcomes.
This designation enables us to:
- Expand access by contracting with MCOs at sustainable rates.
- Advocate for flexible, forward-thinking policies in other states.
We’re proud that Pennsylvania has embraced our virtual care model, setting an example for innovation in OUD care across the nation.
…Improving access through expanded Medicaid coverage.
- 100% coverage in Pennsylvania.
- 90% coverage in New Jersey.
We also expanded our network, becoming in-network with the following plans:
- New Jersey: Horizon, Wellpoint, UHC, and IBX.
- Pennsylvania: UPMC, Jefferson Partners, and IBX.
These partnerships allow us to reach more patients and ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of life-saving treatment.
…Publishing groundbreaking research.
This year, we shared our findings with the world, continuing to build evidence for effective, remote OUD treatment. Our studies appeared in leading journals, including:
- Health Affairs Scholar: The Role of Pharmacy Barriers in MAT Access and Retention
- Journal of Addiction Science & Clinical Practice: Exploring Innovative Methods in Telehealth
…Advocating for patients at every level.
This year, we:
- Participated in the American Telemedicine Association’s Hill Day in DC, meeting with congressional offices to champion telemedicine permanency.
- Supported ASAM’s advocacy urging Congress and the White House to extend remote prescribing rules.
- Amplified patient voices through a viral TikTok ad created by Amanda, one of our incredible patients.
In a major win for our patients, the DEA, in partnership with HHS, extended telemedicine prescribing flexibilities through December 2025. This decision allows providers to continue prescribing controlled substances, including buprenorphine, without requiring in-person visits. It ensures that patients can access life-saving treatments without disruption while the DEA works to finalize permanent telemedicine regulations.
…Bringing our team together to share best practices — and give back.
For a fully remote team, connecting in person is invaluable. This year, our clinicians gathered for a retreat to collaborate and recharge. We also partnered with incredible organizations — SOL Collective, Savage Sisters, and Harlem United — to hold a donation drive that supported communities in need.
…Expanding our partnerships to reach more people.
This year, we welcomed four new Community Partnership Managers across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These dedicated individuals serve as vital links between Ophelia and local organizations, working to build trust, awareness, and meaningful collaborations within the communities we serve. By fostering relationships with community programs, they ensure that our telehealth solutions are accessible and well-integrated, enabling us to connect with even more patients in need of high-quality OUD care.
We also grew our network with new referral partnerships and payor collaborations, ensuring patients and providers have more pathways to connect with Ophelia’s services.
…Sharing our expertise at conferences.
This year, we engaged with the addiction treatment community at AMERSA, the UPMC Addiction Fair, and more. These events are vital for learning, teaching, and spreading our vision for a more accessible and patient-centered healthcare system.
…expanded our board to support growth
We brought two tenured healthcare powerhouses to our board, Marc Russo and Trip Hofer. They have been instrumental in expanding out network coverage, allowing more patients to get access to affordable care.
…Launched a unique, patient-inspired tool: the withDRAWal adult coloring book.
When we asked 1,000 patients, “What makes you feel like yourself again?” their answers inspired something special. The withDRAWal coloring book includes mindfulness-promoting coloring pages designed with their quotes as prompts. It's a therapeutic, creative resource for managing withdrawal, and we’re thrilled to offer it as a free, shareable tool for patients and providers.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Every success in 2024 has brought us closer to a world where effective OUD care is available to everyone who needs it. As we move into 2025, we’re excited to continue driving innovation, advocacy, and compassion for our patients and their loved ones.
Here’s to another year of making a difference.
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