Receipt of Telehealth Services, Receipt and Retention of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, and Medically Treated Overdose Among Medicare Beneficiaries Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Key Points Question How were federal emergency authorities to expand telehealth use for substance use disorder treatment and facilitate provision of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) used during the COVID-19 pandemic among Medicare beneficiaries with opioid use disorder (OUD)? Findings In this cohort study including 175 778 beneficiaries, receipt of OUD-related telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with improved MOUD retention and lower odds of medically treated overdose. Meaning Emergency authorities to expand telehealth utilization and provide MOUD flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic were used among Medicare beneficiaries and were associated with improved MOUD retention and lower odds of medically treated overdose, lending support for permanent adoption.
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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