Influence of State Telehealth Regulations on Treatment for Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Crisis - Takeaways - MDSpire

Influence of State Telehealth Regulations on Treatment for Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Crisis

  • By

  • Matthew D. Eisenberg

  • Kayla N. Tormohlen

  • Alexander D. McCourt

  • Jiani Yu

  • Raghavee Neupane

  • Yimin Ge

  • Elizabeth A. Stuart

  • Michael Fingerhood

  • Nicholas J. Seewald

  • Emma Elizabeth McGinty

  • April 17, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

  • 1

    Substance use disorder affects 17% of adults in the U.S., yet only 25% receive treatment, highlighting a significant treatment gap.

  • 2

    Telemedicine for substance use disorder treatment expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic due to supportive policy changes.

  • 3

    Key telemedicine policies included coverage parity, payment parity, and waivers for prior in-person relationships to enhance access.

  • 4

    The study evaluates the impact of these telemedicine policies on the initiation and continuation of substance use disorder treatment.

  • 5

    Barriers to telehealth include limited clinician supply, privacy concerns, and technology access, which may hinder effective implementation.

Original Source(s)

Influence of State Telehealth Regulations on Treatment for Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Crisis

  • by Matthew D. Eisenberg, Kayla N. Tormohlen, Alexander D. McCourt, Jiani Yu, Raghavee Neupane, Yimin Ge, Elizabeth A. Stuart, Michael Fingerhood, Nicholas J. Seewald, Emma Elizabeth McGinty

  • April 17, 2026

Related Content

U.S. overdose deaths fell again in 2025, but some worry about policy and drug supply changes

Hybrid Care Modifications in the Delivery of Nonpandemic Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review

A Look at New or Expanded Medicaid and Public Health Partnerships from 2025: Findings from A Survey of State Medicaid Programs