Determinants of buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence

This study assessed the social, demographic and clinical determinants of whether an opioid-dependent patient received buprenorphine versus an alternative therapy. A retrospective cohort analysis of opioid-dependent adults enrolled in Group Health Cooperative between January 1, 2006 and December 1, 2010 was performed. Increasing the number of physicians with DATA waivers in a region and living in a relatively-populated area increased the likelihood of being treated with buprenorphine, indicating that lack of access is a potential barrier. Comorbidity also appeared to be a factor in receipt of treatment, with the effect varying by diagnosis. Finally, patients with an insurance plan allowing health services to be sought from any provider, with increased cost sharing, were significantly more likely to receive buprenorphine, implying that patient demand is a factor. Programs integrating patient education, physician training, and support from addiction specialists would be likely facilitators of increasing access to this cost-effective treatment.