Association of Receipt of Opioid Use Disorder–Related Telehealth Services and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder With Fatal Drug Overdoses Among Medicare Beneficiaries Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Key Points Question Were new federal authorities to expand telehealth use for substance use disorder treatment and to facilitate provision of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with a lower risk for fatal drug overdose among Medicare beneficiaries initiating a new episode of opioid use disorder (OUD)–related care? Findings In this cohort study of a prepandemic cohort comprising 105 162 beneficiaries and a pandemic cohort comprising 70 479 beneficiaries, receipt of OUD-related telehealth services and receipt of MOUD during the pandemic were associated with reduced odds for fatal drug overdose. Meaning This study found that emergency authorized telehealth expansion and MOUD provision during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with lower odds of fatal drug overdose, demonstrating the potential benefits of continuing these services.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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