American Journal of Managed Care: Physician Response to COVID-19–Driven Telehealth Flexibility for Opioid Use Disorder
This study aimed to learn how preferences and practices regarding telehealth have evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic for physicians who provide opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. The primary survey data were collected in July 2020 leveraging administrative contact information for the population of publicly listed buprenorphine-prescribing physicians in the United States. A total of 1,141 physicians received the survey and consented to participate. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic increased physician use of telehealth technology, and this has positively shifted their perceptions of effectiveness. Respondents overwhelmingly report interest in post–COVID-19 pandemic telehealth use and support for proposed legislation to loosen telehealth restrictions.