When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the government declared a Public Health Emergency that allowed people to get a Suboxone prescription without seeing a prescriber in person. That Public Health Emergency ends on May 11, 2023.
In response, the DEA now requires everyone who takes Suboxone to attend a one-time, in-person visit with a prescriber. Without this in-person visit, you won’t be able to get Suboxone from Groups or any other provider.
What is Groups doing to help?
To make sure our members can continue to get their medicine, we’re launching Provider Open Houses at Groups offices across the country. These events will be the perfect time to visit your nearest office for a quick group meeting with a provider and to hang out with your local staff and group members. Our first three are coming up in New Hampshire:
- Manchester
Thursday, April 27 | 4 pm – 7 pm
377 South Willow Street B2-5 Manchester, NH 03101
RSVP here.
- Nashua
Thursday, May 4 | 3 pm – 7 pm
155 Main Dunstable Rd. Unit 115 Nashua, NH 03060
RSVP here.
- Keene
Friday, May 5 | 12 pm – 4 pm
12 Kingsbury Street, Keene, NH 03431
RSVP here.
What to Expect at a Provider Open House
When you drop by your nearest Groups office during a Provider Open House you’ll check in with the office manager. While you wait for the provider to be available you can enjoy some free food and drinks with other members and office staff.
You’ll be invited to join a small group of members to quickly chat with a provider. They’ll ask you a few questions but there won’t be a physical exam. When you’re done meeting with a provider, you’ll have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with your Recovery Support Specialist (aka your Care Navigator/Peer) to discuss your care or other topics like Medicaid Redetermination.
Are you a Groups member in New Hampshire? Let us know which Open House you’re attending here!
Can’t make it? Let your office team know and we’ll work with you to make sure you see a provider and keep access to your meds. Remember though: coming to one of these events is the best way to see a Groups provider and make sure you keep your Suboxone prescription. So we strongly recommend you attend.
Provider Open House FAQs
Is this requirement just a Groups thing?
No, this is a government requirement for anyone taking Suboxone. With the end of the Public Health Emergency — no patient can get a Suboxone prescription without an in-person meeting with a provider.
What should I expect during the in-person visit with the physician?
The physician will introduce themselves and ask a few questions. They won’t need to touch you or do a full physical examination. Unless you have things you want to discuss, the visit should only take a few minutes.
Will the physician be the same as my regular group provider?
Not always. We’re having several providers help with this, so it may not be your regular group provider doing these in-person visits.
How often do I have to do this?
Just once. If you ever need to come back in for insurance or provider reasons, we’ll work with you directly!
What if I need help getting to the event?
We’ve got you. If you need help getting to an event, reach out to your counselor and they will connect you with our Recovery Support (RSS) team.
What if I can’t make it to one of these events?
Right now, this is the best way to ensure you see a provider, so we strongly recommend that you attend one of these events. If you can’t make any of these dates, reach out to your counselor and we’ll help you meet with a provider.
Is this rule just affecting New Hampshire members?
This rule will impact anyone prescribed Suboxone in the US. We’re launching these Provider Open Houses in New Hampshire and will expand these events to other states soon.
Can I attend with my other group members?
We highly encourage you to speak with your counselor and other group members and coordinate a time to come together or even carpool!
