About The Study: In this study of Veterans Health Administration patients who received buprenorphine for opioid use disorder during the year following COVID-19–related policy changes, many patients accessed buprenorphine via telephone and some were less likely to have any video visits. These findings suggest that discontinuing or reducing telephone access may disrupt treatment for many patients, particularly groups with access disparities such as Black patients and those experiencing homelessness. Telehealth was associated with increased retention for both new and continuing patients.
Authors: Lewei (Allison) Lin, M.D., M.S., of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, is the corresponding author.
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(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36298)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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