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Telehealth: An Essential Tool for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

"This data helps illustrate a major gap in our ability to care for patients with OUD, but the good news is it’s a problem with a clear solution."

A recent estimate published in 2023 in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, estimates that 7.6 million people in the United States suffered from opioid use disorder (OUD) in 2019, and that less than 14% were in treatment. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimated the number to be closer to 9.2 million.

The lack of perfect clarity in the data around OUD is not uncommon in healthcare and underscores the need for more of it. To that end, the Bicycle Health Medical Group began studying America's opioid crisis and our clinical model in 2021. Since that time, four peer-reviewed articles have been accepted and published on the company’s care model. This white paper includes key findings from those publications.

Highlights Include:

  • An overview of the status of America's opioid crisis.

  • An examination of why access to virtual Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is at risk.

  • A brief history of buprenorphine MOUD treatment.

  • A breakdown of who is seeking MOUD treatment via telehealth.

  • A look at the ongoing challenges that our patients still face in accessing OUD treatment.

Download the White Paper

A Word from Ankit Gupta
Founder and CEO, Bicycle Health

"In 2021, we saw over 75,000 opioid-related deaths in the U.S. — yet less than 10% of people accessed treatment, usually due to stigma, lack of accessibility, and the cost of treatment. This descriptive review is a major validation of Bicycle Health’s innovative telehealth model as we work to bring effective OUD treatment to patients across the country, and ultimately help more people live fulfilling lives free from opioid addiction."