How Can Telemedicine Be Used To Improve Opioid Addiction Treatment?

Much of the United States is still being devastated by the opioid epidemic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 128 individuals pass away from opioid overdoses each day. Opioids are frequently provided to people with chronic pain, but many medications have addictive qualities that can result in misuse and even overdose. Thus, opioid addiction treatment comes to the plate.

The use of this medicine has put new limitations in place as a result of the pandemic. To ensure that their patients are not abusing these medications. They must follow specific health and safety laws when prescribing medication. However, many patients, particularly those in rural regions, frequently don’t access healthcare professionals who can appropriately prescribe these medications.

Several providers are turning to telemedicine services to increase the scope of their addiction treatment services. As patients gradually unplug themselves off opioids and safely manage their pain. Virtual care technology enables doctors to keep an eye on them from a distance.

Treating OUD Recovery Patients By Telehealth Services

To lower the number of people suffering from what is known as opioid use disorder, the healthcare sector is working (OUD). There are indications that the nation is developing. According to recent statistics, many more people than just a few years ago are receiving OUD treatment. Indicating that sufferers are now receiving the support they require for pain management and addiction recovery. The government has also planned online opioid addiction treatment to recover more and more patients.

These people frequently get medically assisted treatment (MAT) when recovering from OUD. Providers prescribe buprenorphine as a standard part of the healing process. This medicine is essential to the opioid addiction treatment process since it can treat pain and opioid pain reliever addiction.

How Telehealth Can Increase Access to MAT

Many patients still struggle to access these essential services, especially those who live in remote locations. There are typically fewer primary care doctors, programs for addiction recovery, and specialists in treating chronic pain in these places. The federal government is attempting to address these problems by boosting financing for MAT programs raising provider and patient awareness. Altering payment procedures to increase coverage, and providing technical help and training.

Telehealth is a tool that providers can use to expand their OUD treatment services. Patients can access these services in the convenience of their homes rather than making long trips to the closest treatment facility. Many of these individuals might experience persistent discomfort, which may restrict their range of motion. These patients can now more easily access addiction therapy because of telehealth technology. Long-distance travel, finding transportation, or taking time off work are no longer concerns.

To remotely prescribe buprenorphine, providers must comply with Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services policies. The government is working to increase the availability of telemedicine services to patients and providers. With the aid of this technology, qualified healthcare professionals can now prescribe buprenorphine to patients. Outside of opioid treatment programs are subject to federal regulation.

Healthcare providers have access to telehealth to safely monitor their patients as they recover from OUD at home. They can ensure that these people responsibly use buprenorphine to address their pain rather than turning to opiates or heroin.

The Sensitive Nature of OUD

There are numerous ways to cure addiction. Before treating patients for OUD, providers should take the time to get to know them, hear their concerns, and diagnose their pain. For some patients, discussing these topics can be difficult and uncomfortable. These patients can remain at home, where they feel more at ease discussing addiction, recovery, and what it’s like to have chronic pain.

Additionally, it raises the likelihood that they may turn to legal drug alternatives like heroin rather than seeking addiction therapy and treatment. Patients can use telemedicine platforms to stay in touch with their doctors during the healing process. Access to treatment programs is often limited, making getting well more difficult. Instead of relying on friends and family or trying to handle withdrawal symptoms alone, a patient can instantly get in touch with a health care provider.

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