How many patients can a physician treat with buprenorphine if they meet specific requirements?

The correct answer reflects the flexibility in a physician’s ability to treat patients with buprenorphine under specific circumstances that may override previous limits. Initially, when a physician obtains a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, they can treat a capped number of patients. This limit is often 30 patients initially, which can then be increased to either 100 or 275 patients after meeting regulatory requirements, depending on their training and experience.

However, after a physician has been practicing for a certain period and has demonstrated a consistent ability to provide treatment, they may apply for an exemption that allows them to treat an unlimited number of patients. This change aims to address the growing opioid crisis by improving access to treatment options available for opioid use disorder, thus emphasizing the importance of making effective care accessible to a larger population while maintaining quality care standards.

While the number of patients a physician can treat may be restricted initially, regulations have evolved, leading to increased treatment capacity for those who meet necessary training requirements and demonstrate capability in managing patients effectively.