Publications · 2019
Buprenorphine Prior Authorization Removal: Low Hanging Fruit in the Opioid Overdose Crisis
Harvard Public Health Review , 25 , 2019 · doi:10.54111/0001/Y2
Overview
A commentary arguing that one of the most underused policy levers in the opioid overdose crisis is the simplest: removing the prior-authorization requirements that delay buprenorphine access for patients who most need it.
Abstract
The overdose crisis in the United States is not abating. The number of overdose mortalities has never been higher, and synthetic opioid mortalities increased 45% from 2016 to 2017 (Scholl, et al., 2019). The scope is daunting, but there is “low-hanging fruit” yet to be addressed. Though seldom mentioned in public debate, effective treatment is available, yet access to it is mired in red tape.
Recognition & impact
Cited in policy & guidance1
- A Consensus Study Report: Opportunities to Improve Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Disease ServicesThe National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Topics
- buprenorphine
- prior authorization
- Medicaid
- OUD treatment
- policy commentary
- addiction treatment access
How to cite
Beetham T. Buprenorphine Prior Authorization Removal: Low Hanging Fruit in the Opioid Overdose Crisis. Harvard Public Health Review, 25; 2019. doi:10.54111/0001/Y2
Show BibTeX
@article{beetham2019buprenorphineprior,
title = {{Buprenorphine Prior Authorization Removal: Low Hanging Fruit in the Opioid Overdose Crisis}},
author = {Beetham, T.},
journal = {Harvard Public Health Review},
year = {2019},
volume = {25},
doi = {10.54111/0001/Y2},
url = {https://doi.org/10.54111/0001/Y2},
abstract = {The overdose crisis in the United States is not abating. The number of overdose mortalities has never been higher, and synthetic opioid mortalities increased 45% from 2016 to 2017 (Scholl, et al., 2019). The scope is daunting, but there is “low-hanging fruit” yet to be addressed. Though seldom mentioned in public debate, effective treatment is available, yet access to it is mired in red tape.},
keywords = {buprenorphine; prior authorization; Medicaid; OUD treatment; policy commentary; addiction treatment access}
}