about the telebup program
The UW Department of Emergency Medicine launched a 24/7 Tele-buprenorphine Hotline in partnership with Public Health—Seattle & King County to provide low-barrier medication for opioid use disorder on January 2, 2024. This program offers on-demand 24/7 treatment through a free telehealth visit with one of our 13 Emergency Medicine physicians. Our team has two Linkage to Care Coordinators who will assist patients with linking to care within 72 hours of their first visit. This service is for anyone who is 13 years of age or older, has opioid use disorder, and is in King County, WA.
MEET THE TEAM
Meg Flohr
Linkage to Care Coordinator
FAQ's
Q: What is your minimum age for patients?
A: We will treat anyone with OUD that is 13 years of age or older.
Q: How much does this cost?
A: This is a nonbillable service, free of charge to our patients. However, your prescription may still cost money depending on your insurance coverage or lack thereof.
Q: I already had a prescription for buprenorphine, but I’m almost out and my doctor can’t see me for three days. Can you help me?
A: Yes! We are happy to provide bridge prescriptions if you cannot get in to your usual provider.
Q: What will happen after my first visit?
A: Our linkage to care staff will follow up with you within 72 hours of your visit to ensure you were successful in starting your prescription and to link you to ongoing care.
Q: Is there a limit to how many times I can call the hotline?
A: We are always here as a service to our patients. However, we cannot prescribe buprenorphine to patients more than twice in a two week period.
Q: How long does this visit usually take?
A: The telehealth visits range from 10-40 minutes depending on the patient.
Q: If I’m in an inpatient facility, can I still call into the hotline for a prescription?
A: The center for medicaid services has a law against someone receiving services for SUD from 2 different providers at a time. We can't provide care or medications to people who are in treatment centers, inpatient beds, dialysis units, emergency departments, etc. without violating that law. Your patient is welcome to call the hotline when they are no longer under your care and we will be happy to help them.