SUD Treatment Providers Brace for Changes as Telehealth Flexibilities Near Expiration Date
Behavioral Health Business August 28, 2024
The federal government has extended COVID-era telehealth flexibilities twice since their creation. These flexibilities are now set to expire in December 2024, putting “life-saving” care at risk, behavioral health industry insiders caution.
Some substance use disorder (SUD) providers are now making plans to pivot their clinical models if flexibilities are not cemented, partnering with local organizations or hiring clinicians who are prepared to travel for in-person appointments.
“Telehealth-only care makes it easier to begin treatment and is effective at retaining people in care,” Gil Kochman, CEO of Workit Health, told Addiction Treatment Business in an email. “If these flexibilities are removed, the industry overall will lose its ability to engage with a portion of the population who doesn’t want or...