With only 25% of adults in need of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), virtual prescribing can expand access, and digital wraparound solutions can support treatment with additional services, including peer support, care navigation, and educational content. Virtual solutions can be as effective as usual, medication-based treatment and can help increase treatment retention by an average of 13 more days over six months, a recent study found.

To support the wider adoption of virtual solutions for OUD and to increase access to treatment for those who need care and are not receiving it, the researchers recommend research into virtual OUD outcomes, finalization of pending Drug Enforcement Administration teleprescribing rules, licensure flexibilities, and state funding for evidence-based treatment using opioid settlement money.

For this evaluation, the researchers reviewed the clinical effectiveness and economic impact of 16 virtual solutions that combine MOUD treatment with digital support services that aim to improve treatment retention and outcomes, based largely on previous studies.

These findings were presented in Virtual Opioid Use Disorder Solutions by Peterson Health Technology Institute. The goal was to assess OUD treatment solutions, according to the report.

The full text of Virtual Opioid Use Disorder Solutions was published on September 16, 2025, by Peterson Health Technology Institute. A free abstract is available (accessed September 25, 2025).

OPEN MINDS last reported on this topic in Bicycle Health & Wellpath Sign Contract Extension For Virtual Opioid Use Disorder Treatment For People In Prison Reentry Program on March 12, 2025.

For more information, contact: Meg Barron, Managing Director, Engagement & Outreach, Peterson Health Technology Institute, 208 East 51st Street, New York, New York 10022; Email: info@PHTI.org; Website: https://phti.org/