Researchers used unannounced standardized-patient telephone calls to examine access to buprenorphine treatment for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder in three rural Utah counties. In 34 calls to 17 prenatal or primary-care clinics, staff were unfamiliar with buprenorphine in 16 calls (47%), and an appointment for opioid use disorder treatment was offered in only six calls (17.6%). Most clinics unable to offer treatment provided referrals, but referred buprenorphine providers were often unavailable or unreachable. Appointment access did not differ between simulated American Indian and White patients in this small study. The findings highlight substantial rural treatment and referral barriers, but the limited geographic sample cannot establish access patterns nationally.
