How to Acquire Your Suboxone Medication
In the past, obtaining Suboxone could be somewhat challenging, even with a valid prescription. Government regulations and the requirements necessary for physicians to prescribe Suboxone were highly restrictive. And even if you managed to get a much-needed prescription for the medication, you may have found it difficult to locate a pharmacy that would dispense Suboxone. Thankfully, getting Suboxone is becoming easier as the push for accessibility is growing. Following the steps below will help make the process of getting Suboxone smoother.
1. Locate a qualified Suboxone prescriber.
You may not feel comfortable talking about Suboxone with your PCP, or you may not have a PCP. You can find a Suboxone prescriber at an addiction treatment center, or an online Suboxone clinic, who specialize not only in providing expert care, but also in doing so without judgement.
2. Check your insurance coverage.
Once you locate a qualified Suboxone prescriber, reach out to both your health insurance provider and the prescriber’s office to verify coverage. Alternatively, the prescriber’s office may be willing to verify your insurance coverage for you, so you don’t have to make the additional call. It is best to do this prior to scheduling an appointment to save yourself time and frustration. Inquire about coverage for appointments with the prescriber and the Suboxone prescription. Some insurance companies require prior approval before they will provide coverage for Suboxone, so it is a good idea to ask about that when you make the call. If you do not have insurance or need help paying for the cost of your Suboxone medication, there are some government programs that can provide assistance.
3. Schedule an intake assessment.
After you have squared away your insurance coverage, it is time to schedule an intake assessment with your chosen Suboxone prescriber. Many providers now offer the option of either virtual or in-person visits, so you can choose which best suits your needs. You can prepare for your appointment by compiling a list of your current medications, past surgeries or medical procedures, and allergies.
4. Share your health history with your provider.
When you meet with your provider, they will ask about your health history, which may include questions about mental health conditions, chronic health problems, and history of opioid use. Being as open and honest as possible can help your provider determine your need for Suboxone treatment.
5. Obtain a Suboxone prescription.
After your intake assessment, your provider will give you a prescription for Suboxone if they determine the medication to be the most appropriate for your needs. If prior approval is needed from your insurance company, your provider will follow through on this and send authorization to your health insurance provider. This can take several days to a week, although fewer insurance plans are requiring this type of authorization for addiction treatment medication since it creates an unnecessary delay in getting the help you need. For optimal convenience, reach out to a provider at Confidant Health’s online Suboxone clinic — no insurance required.
6. Locate a pharmacy that carries Suboxone.
Suboxone treatment has become more accessible, but the system is still far from perfect. Although you have a valid prescription for Suboxone, there are still pharmacies that will not carry the medication. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has imposed strict regulations for the dispensation of Suboxone and other medications used to treat opioid use disorder. To avoid violations, some pharmacies are significantly limiting their stock of Suboxone or refusing to fill the prescriptions altogether. You can ask your prescriber if they can refer you to a pharmacy that carries the medication, search for Suboxone in your area on GoodRx, or get help from an online Suboxone treatment program.
Can Suboxone Be Prescribed via Telemedicine?
The great thing about an online Suboxone clinic is that you can receive treatment for opioid use disorder right from the comfort of your home. Suboxone telemedicine allows you to visit with a provider through video chat for optimal convenience and discretion. They can conduct an intake assessment and send a Suboxone prescription directly to your pharmacy, often on the same day.
Is Suboxone Covered by Insurance?
Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will cover some or all of the cost of your Suboxone prescription. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires most insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and addiction treatment as they would for physical health conditions.
.jpeg)
