Finding a Suboxone clinic is a significant step toward recovery. These clinics are staffed by physicians who have been waivered to prescribe the medication for opioid use disorder (OUD).
Urgent care doctors may also be able to get you a short-term supply of Suboxone. However, they will likely be unable to continue your prescription long-term.
Ask Your GP
Suboxone is a brand name for the FDA-approved medication buprenorphine, which treats opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist and an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of other opioids. This combination makes it a safe and effective treatment for opioid use disorder.
But it is important to note that there are specific regulations about who can prescribe this medication. Only doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are authorized to write Suboxone prescriptions, and there are limits on how many patients each provider can oversee at a time.
Because of these restrictions, finding an online suboxone clinic accepting new patients can be challenging. It may feel like a full-time job, as you spend hours calling providers and waiting for them to call back. You might even go through multiple providers before finding a good fit, but don’t let this discourage you.
It’s also helpful to look at reviews for different providers before choosing one. Although you shouldn’t rely solely on online reviews, they can help narrow your choices based on customer service and office locations. It may be worth paying extra to work with a provider with an office that is easy for you to get to and from. Then, you can focus on the actual treatment rather than navigating traffic or trying to schedule appointments that work around your busy life.
Check Online
The internet is a powerful tool to help you find a Suboxone clinic for yourself or a loved one. If you are unsure where to start, search for “Suboxone doctors near me” or use the program provided. Using this service will filter available programs based on your individual needs. For example, you can choose only to see providers who accept your state insurance or who offer a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program.
Most people who have an opioid addiction require a combination of therapy, counseling, and support groups to achieve recovery. However, these treatments are not always accessible to those with limited incomes. For those who do not have private health insurance, Suboxone is a form of MAT that Medicaid may cover. This treatment will alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse by blocking the effects of opioids.
During an initial visit with a Suboxone doctor, you will be asked questions about your medical history and current substance use. You will also be required to provide a urine sample and undergo a hepatitis screening. It is essential to be completely honest with your doctor during this process.
Once you have completed your appointment with a Suboxone doctor, you should be able to get a prescription for the drug at your local pharmacy. Your prescription will usually expire after 90 days, so schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor if necessary.
Check with Your Insurance Company
If you have a health insurance plan, contact the insurer directly to find out whether they cover the cost of Suboxone treatment. Most healthcare plans do, but the coverage may vary by plan and policy. The Affordable Care Act mandates that all marketplace healthcare plans cover mental and behavioral health services like essential medical or surgical treatments. Some private health insurance programs also offer Suboxone coverage, though a co-pay is often associated with the medication.
Many insurance companies offer a directory of physicians who can prescribe the drug. These online directories can help you find a doctor near your home or work who accepts your health insurance. When choosing a physician, consider the location and how convenient it will be to reach them by phone or for face-to-face meetings. Ensure your chosen doctor is licensed and certified to practice in your state.
DEA-certified doctors have completed a course on the safe use and administration of buprenorphine and have obtained federal permission to dispense the medication. Most of these doctors are experienced and have a track record of helping their patients overcome opioid addictions.
They are also likely to treat other conditions, such as anxiety and depression, with a Suboxone prescription. This comprehensive approach enhances the effectiveness of this medication as a long-term solution to opioid usage disorder.
Ask for Referrals
If your GP doesn’t feel comfortable prescribing Suboxone, ask them to refer you to someone who does. This is the best way to find a clinic you can trust.
A doctor who prescribes buprenorphine and other opioid treatment products must be specially trained, registered with the DEA, and licensed by your state medical board. As such, the number of people who can see these doctors is limited, and it can take time to get on their list.
Another good option is to check with methadone clinics in your area. They are more likely to have availability than office-based doctors who offer buprenorphine. Also, methadone clinics often have a higher tolerance for patients and will allow you to earn take-home medications by adhering to therapy and passing drug tests.
You can also use the online directory to find Suboxone providers in-network with your insurance company. This search will also include a list of providers who accept Medicaid.
Once you’ve found a Suboxone clinic that works for you, layer in other services to make the most of your recovery, these can include individual or group therapy, counseling, and support groups. You may also want to consider an intensive live-in rehab treatment center. These facilities are known for their high success rates and focus on evidence-based treatments.
