Why aren't physicians prescribing more buprenorphine?

A logistic regression analysis was used to identify reasons that respondents indicated no willingness to increase prescribing (χ2(4) = 73.18, p < 0.001); main reasons were lack of belief in agonist treatment (OR 3.98, 95% CI, 1.43 to 11.1, p = 0.008), lack of time for additional patients (OR 5.54, 95% CI, 3.5 to 8.7, p < 0.001), and belief that reimbursement rates are insufficient (OR 2.50, 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.8, p = 0.006). Differences between non-waivered and waivered physicians concerning attitudes toward buprenorphine treatment as well as resources that would increase willingness to prescribe are also discussed. Identifying barriers to buprenorphine utilization is crucial in expanding treatment options for individuals with OUD.