# Test a telehealth claim

Lesson 1 of [Judge claims made by opioid treatment services](https://opioidtreatment.fyi/academy/judge-opioid-treatment-service-claims.md), 15 minutes.

Many services say they offer telehealth. The word can mean different things. This lesson shows how to test the claim.

## What the site's guide says

The site's telehealth guide, updated 2026-10-07, states a sourced position for the US only. It says a clinician in the US can start buprenorphine through a telehealth visit, and that a phone-only visit can be enough. It also says methadone induction stays in person at an opioid treatment programme. It cites SAMHSA pages for these points.

Rules change. Read the current SAMHSA pages before you rely on the guide.

## Outside the US

The guide states no position for the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand. Rules differ there and they change. Ask a local prescriber what applies.

## Break the claim into parts

Ask the service:

- Can the first assessment be remote, or does it need a visit?
- Which parts of care need a visit?
- How does testing work at a distance?
- Who prescribes? Ask for a name.
- How does the prescription reach me, and which pharmacy fills it?
- What happens if I need an earlier review?

Write down the answers with the prescriber's name and the date.

## Do not let telehealth delay an emergency

A video visit is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call your local emergency number first.

## Sources

- Opioid Treatment Directory, guide: Telehealth for opioid treatment (updated 2026-10-07)
- SAMHSA, buprenorphine telemedicine prescribing questions and answers
- SAMHSA, DEA and HHS final telemedicine rule for buprenorphine access

This course is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Also on the [web page](https://opioidtreatment.fyi/academy/judge-opioid-treatment-service-claims/telehealth-claims).

> Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified clinician before you start, stop or change treatment. In an emergency call your local emergency number: 911 in the US and Canada (or call or text 988), 999 in the UK and Ireland (or call 111 in the UK, 112 in Ireland), 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand. For overdose, call emergency services first.