April 9, 2023 – After receiving a record number of public comments, the DEA has issued a temporary extension to the telemedicine flexibilities extended during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This temporary extension will begin on May 11, 2023, and will last six months, ending on November 11, 2023. Furthermore, for telemedicine patients that have been, or will be, established patients by November 11, 2023, full telemedicine flexibilities will be extended for an additional year until November 11, 2024.
What does this mean for teleMOUD patients?
For QuickMD patients that see our providers for MOUD treatment, you can continue your treatment with us via telemedicine without a referral right now. If you are an established patient with us before November 11, 2023, you can continue your telemedicine treatment without a referral until November 11, 2024. While you CAN currently continue your treatment without a referral, QuickMD encourages teleMOUD patients who plan to see their PCP within the next year to go ahead and get a referral form signed to stay ahead of any requirements potentially implemented after November 11, 2023. This is not a requirement at this time, but an encouragement.
What does this mean for teleMOUD patients after November 11, 2023?
The DEA has not provided guidance on the process for telemedicine patients after the November 11, 2023, extension deadline. We will continue to keep patients informed as we learn more.
“While QuickMD was prepared to act in accordance with the original proposed rule, this extension will allow healthcare organizations to better provide continuity of care. We are pleased that the DEA recognizes the importance of telehealth access and providing MOUD care to the under-served, and we hope this will remain a long-term viable option for all in need of care. We are committed to you, our new and existing patients. Creating access to care is the reason QuickMD was founded,” states QuickMD CEO, Rachel Boryachinskiy.
The DEA received over 38,000 public comments on the teleMOUD proposal. Thank you for speaking up about the importance of access to care for patients suffering from Opioid Use Disorder!
