Buprenorphine Telehealth Rules: What Patients Should Know in Tennessee

Buprenorphine telehealth rules have changed significantly in recent years, making it easier than ever for people in Tennessee to access life-saving opioid addiction treatment. Still, many patients feel confused or anxious about what’s allowed, what’s required, and whether telehealth Suboxone treatment is truly legal and safe.

This guide explains buprenorphine telehealth rules and what patients should know, so you can make informed decisions about treatment without fear, misinformation, or unnecessary delays—whether you live in Huntland, Livingston, Lafayette, Morrison, or Ardmore.

Recovery for Tennesseans by Tennesseans in Recovery

Recovery Care of Columbia provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required.

• Serving all communities across Tennessee
• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Owned and operated by people in long-term recovery

What Is Buprenorphine and Why Telehealth Matters

Buprenorphine is the primary medication in Suboxone, an FDA-approved treatment for opioid use disorder. It works by:

• Reducing withdrawal symptoms
• Controlling cravings
• Lowering overdose risk
• Stabilizing brain chemistry

Telehealth allows patients to receive buprenorphine treatment through secure video appointments instead of traveling to a physical clinic. For many Tennesseans—especially those in rural areas—telehealth is the difference between getting treatment and going without.

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Buprenorphine Telehealth Rules: The Basics

Is Buprenorphine Telehealth Legal?

Yes. Buprenorphine telehealth is legal in Tennessee when provided by a properly licensed clinic and medical provider.

Federal agencies such as the DEA and SAMHSA allow buprenorphine prescribing through telemedicine under established regulations designed to protect patient safety while expanding access to care.

Do Patients Need an In-Person Visit?

In most cases, no initial in-person visit is required to start buprenorphine treatment through telehealth when rules are followed correctly. Licensed telemedicine clinics like Recovery Care of Columbia are authorized to evaluate patients remotely and prescribe Suboxone safely.

Register Today—Feel Better Tomorrow

 

• Register for virtual Suboxone treatment with TennCare Medicaid
• Register for online Suboxone therapy using commercial insurance
• Schedule a virtual Suboxone doctor appointment as a self-pay patient
• Register as a returning patient
• Apply for our Sliding-Scale Program
• View insurance plans we accept and self-pay pricing
• We accept all TennCare Medicaid plans, including Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care
• We accept all major health insurance plans, including BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, and United Healthcare, as well as all TennCare Medicaid insurance: Amerigroup Community Care, BlueCare, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint Community Care.

Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Click here to check your insurance coverage.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids), Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, Tramadol, Percocet, and other opioids.

Call or text us at (615) 927-7802 to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

What Patients Should Know About Current Telehealth Requirements

Understanding buprenorphine telehealth rules helps patients avoid delays and unnecessary stress.

Identity and Medical Verification

Patients must:

• Verify their identity
• Provide medical history
• Disclose current opioid use honestly

This ensures safe dosing and protects patients from complications.

Secure Video Appointments Are Required

Buprenorphine telehealth rules require real-time, secure video visits—not just phone calls. This allows providers to:

• Assess withdrawal symptoms
• Evaluate readiness for Suboxone
• Monitor safety

Ongoing Follow-Up Is Part of the Rules

Telehealth buprenorphine treatment is not “one and done.” Patients should expect:

• Regular follow-up appointments
• Continued monitoring
• Adjustments to treatment as needed

These rules are designed to support long-term recovery, not restrict access.

What Substances Can You Transition From Using Telehealth?

Under current buprenorphine telehealth rules, patients can safely transition from many opioids, including:

• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Percocet or OxyContin
• Heroin
• Fentanyl
• Methadone
• Kratom or 7-OH

Your provider will explain when to start buprenorphine to avoid precipitated withdrawal and improve comfort.

Common Myths About Buprenorphine Telehealth Rules

“Telehealth Suboxone Isn’t Real Treatment”

False. Telehealth buprenorphine treatment follows the same medical standards as in-person care and is supported by the FDA.

“My Employer or Family Will Find Out”

Buprenorphine telehealth treatment is private and protected by medical confidentiality laws.

“Telehealth Is Less Safe”

When provided by licensed clinics, telehealth buprenorphine treatment is safe, regulated, and evidence-based.

Why Rules Exist — and How They Protect Patients

Buprenorphine telehealth rules exist to:

• Prevent unsafe prescribing
• Reduce diversion
• Ensure proper medical oversight
• Protect patient privacy
• Improve treatment outcomes

Rather than creating barriers, these rules help ensure patients receive legitimate, high-quality care.

Why Recovery Care of Columbia Follows the Rules — and Goes Further

Recovery Care of Columbia has built its telehealth program to meet and exceed all buprenorphine telehealth rules in Tennessee.

Our Commitment to Safe, Accessible Care

• Accredited by The Joint Commission
• Clinic owners in long-term recovery
• Over 100+ Google Reviews (from real patients)
• Recipient of Tennessee’s very first Virtual OBOT medical license
• Over 1000 patients served since 2021
• 2025 regional award winner for the “Best Substance Abuse Facility” by Best of Tennessee
• Same-day Suboxone prescriptions
• A kind and caring staff, some who are in recovery
• Overnight Suboxone delivery available in most areas (the pharmacy charges a delivery fee)
• A compassionate team of caring doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and administrators who genuinely care about your recovery.
• No clinic visits, ever. 100% online Suboxone treatment statewide
• Same-day appointments available every Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on availability)
• Evening appointments available every Monday and Wednesday until 9:00 PM

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

Patients can learn more about our clinicians on our Meet Our Team page and read real experiences on our patient reviews.

Insurance Coverage and Access to Telehealth Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine telehealth rules allow treatment to be covered by many insurance plans.

Recovery Care of Columbia accepts:

• TennCare Medicaid addiction treatment coverage
• Commercial insurance Suboxone program acceptance
• A payment plan for self-pay telemedicine Suboxone
• A sliding-scale program for eligible patients

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises. 

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans.

You can start treatment through:

• Commercial insurance appointments
• TennCare Medicaid appointments
• Self-pay telehealth Suboxone care

Details are also available on our insurance and pricing page and sliding-scale program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buprenorphine Telehealth Rules

Can I start buprenorphine the same day?

In many cases, yes. Same-day prescriptions are often available after your telehealth appointment.

Do I need special equipment?

No. A smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access is sufficient.

What if I’ve used street Suboxone?

Be honest with your provider. This information helps ensure safe and effective treatment.

Are telehealth rules different in Tennessee?

Tennessee follows federal guidance while requiring proper licensing and compliance by clinics.

Will these rules change?

Telehealth regulations may evolve, but clinics like Recovery Care of Columbia stay up to date to protect patients.

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

Addiction-Related Articles

• Can You Get Prescribed Suboxone Online? | Recovery Care of Columbia
• Suboxone Withdrawal: What to Expect and Solutions for Managing It
• Telehealth Suboxone: A Lifeline for Opioid Addiction in Rural Tennessee

External Resources

• Kratom/7-OH/7-hydroxymitragynine addiction is another opioid addiction-related issue facing Tennessean’s, thanks to it being readily available and unregulated. Learn more about Kratom addiction and virtual treatment options in Tennessee.
• DEA.gov – Opioid Addiction Resources
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC.gov
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare