Buprenorphine Maintenance for Opioid Dependence in Public Sector Healthcare: Benefits and Barriers
Journal of Addiction Medicine and Therapeutic Science
Review Article
Buprenorphine Maintenance for Opioid Dependence in Public Sector Healthcare: Benefits and Barriers3
Background: Since its U.S. FDA approval in 2002, buprenorphine has been available for maintenance
treatment of opiate dependence in primary care physicians’ offices. Though buprenorphine was intended to
facilitate access to treatment, disparities in utilization have emerged; while buprenorphine treatment is widely
used in private care setting, public healthcare integration of buprenorphine lags behind.
Results: Through a review of the literature, we found that U.S. disparities are partly due to a shortage of
certified prescribers, concern of patient diversion, as well as economic and institutional barriers. Disparity of
buprenorphine treatment dissemination is concerning since buprenorphine treatment has specific characteristics
that are especially suited for low-income patient population in public sector healthcare such as flexible dosing
schedules, ease of concurrently treating co-morbidities such as HIV and hepatitis C, positive patient attitudes
towards treatment, and the potential of reducing addiction treatment stigma.
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Review Article
Buprenorphine Maintenance for Opioid Dependence in Public Sector Healthcare: Benefits and Barriers3
Background: Since its U.S. FDA approval in 2002, buprenorphine has been available for maintenance
treatment of opiate dependence in primary care physicians’ offices. Though buprenorphine was intended to
facilitate access to treatment, disparities in utilization have emerged; while buprenorphine treatment is widely
used in private care setting, public healthcare integration of buprenorphine lags behind.
Results: Through a review of the literature, we found that U.S. disparities are partly due to a shortage of
certified prescribers, concern of patient diversion, as well as economic and institutional barriers. Disparity of
buprenorphine treatment dissemination is concerning since buprenorphine treatment has specific characteristics
that are especially suited for low-income patient population in public sector healthcare such as flexible dosing
schedules, ease of concurrently treating co-morbidities such as HIV and hepatitis C, positive patient attitudes
towards treatment, and the potential of reducing addiction treatment stigma.
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