Medication management for opioid use disorder (OUD) is about much more than writing a prescription. Your provider needs to understand your lived experience, health history, opioid use and treatment goals. Then, they can create a personalized plan and guide you step by step. Suboxone is one of the most common medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), but it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Your provider should educate you on different options so you can play an active role in your treatment decisions. You’ll achieve the best outcomes when they take your input into account, so sessions should feel like two-way conversations. It may take a bit of research and a few conversations to find the right provider, but it’s worth the effort.

In this article, we’ll share seven questions to ask a Suboxone provider before starting treatment.

7 questions to ask a Suboxone provider 

The provider you partner with will significantly affect your treatment experience. The best providers build strong relationships with their members. It helps to find someone you feel comfortable talking to. This is someone who understands your identity, lifestyle and community. You may need more than one consultation to find the right fit. The questions below can guide better conversations and help you find a provider who can support your recovery.

Ask your Suboxone provider the following questions before starting treatment:

• What is your experience with Suboxone treatment? 

Any provider with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration can prescribe Suboxone. This includes primary care doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. It’s best to find someone who specializes in OUD treatment or has extensive experience. 

Primary care providers with general experience may be less familiar with how medications specific to addiction work and how to provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment. You can also ask about their experience treating diverse populations.

• At what point in my recovery should I take Suboxone?

You must wait until you’re experiencing withdrawal to take Suboxone. Otherwise, you may experience sudden and intense symptoms known as precipitated withdrawal. Depending on the type of opioid used, you may need to wait as little as four hours or up to three days before taking Suboxone. Treatment usually begins with a low dose and it’s gradually increased until your symptoms are under control.

You and your provider can create a detailed plan with your provider that covers timing, support, how you’ll measure and manage withdrawal symptoms, and coping strategies to avoid using again. With virtual providers, it is especially important to know who to contact in case of a crisis and how to reach them.

• How will you monitor my progress?

It’s standard for members in OUD treatment to undergo regular testing for opioids. This just helps providers track your treatment progress, and it can help you stay accountable toward reaching your goals. Your provider will want to address any signs of substance use, problems with taking your medication, changes to your mental health, or cravings and withdrawal symptoms that continue even when you’re taking medication. Overall, health outcomes improve when members feel comfortable discussing these issues in recovery openly.

• What support services are available? 

Medication is only one part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner may be able to connect you with other resources and care providers. For example, they may refer you to a therapist or counselor, a support group, programs for food and housing assistance, or crisis support. 

• How do you handle insurance and costs? 

Look for a provider with payment options that fit your needs and circumstances, and keep your state of residence in mind. If you have insurance, confirm they accept your plan. It is possible to find providers who take out-of-pocket payments as well.It’s important to ask about financial responsibilities, including fees for missed appointments or last-minute cancellations. 

• What’s your approach to tapering or discontinuation?

Suboxone is safe and effective to take long term. Members who stop taking their medication are more likely to relapse, even after years of recovery. If you want to stop taking Suboxone, your prescriber can talk through the pros and cons with you and create a specific plan. You shouldn’t stop taking Suboxone abruptly. You’ll need to taper your dose down slowly with guidance from a provider.

• How do you ensure privacy and confidentiality?

Medication prescribers have strict requirements for client confidentiality. Telehealth platforms and virtual services must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). They can’t share your information with other individuals or care providers without your permission. Once confirming enrollment as a patient, your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner should provide a confidentiality agreement for you to sign. 

Join ReKlame Health to connect with a Suboxone prescriber you trust

There are many barriers that can get in the way of finding a provider you really connect with. There’s a shortage of providers in several regions, and treatment can be very expensive. Providers may lack knowledge about how certain ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds impact a patient’s health. It may take some time to find the right person to work with, but it is possible.

At ReKlame Health, we’re working to provide affordable, accessible, and culturally relevant medication management to people in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Our team of board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP-BC) is diverse, experienced and compassionate. We offer support that goes above and beyond by pairing each member with a care navigator who can refer you to resources and services you need.

Ready to take the next step toward a Suboxone prescription? You’ve got this. Appointments are available now. Here’s how to join.