The opioid crisis has become a public health emergency. Drug overdose, addiction and misuse related to opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetic opioids, continues to increase.¹ Opioid overdoses alone have quadrupled since 1999.² In order to combat this health issue, all forms of health care service and professionals must come together. Telehealth is an innovative remote technological solution that will aid in opioid treatment and recovery. New CMS updates have established telehealth resources as an appropriate method to bring health care services to those suffering from the opioid crisis.
¹ On Drug Abuse, National Institute. “Opioid Overdose Crisis.” 22 Jan. 2019, www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis.
² “Ongoing emergencies.” 11 Sept. 2019, www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/EPRO/Current-Emergencies/Ongoing-emergencies.html.
