Topic in Focus: Substance Use Disorders

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AMA Update

Rising cervical cancer rates and a new at-home screening test for cervical cancer

Jul 24, 2025 | 10 Min Read
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6 reasons to join the AMA

1 Min Read
Clear Search
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2 Min Read

May 15, 2020: State Advocacy Update

Opioid epidemic may be worsening; states must implement federal flexibility in the latest State Advocacy Update.

Advocacy Update
Telehealth patient and physician
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3 Min Read

Bill requires ERISA plans to cover telehealth during COVID-19

The AMA backs the bipartisan House legislation, which also establishes pay parity between telehealth and face-to-face visits, including audio-only encounters.

Digital
Man wearing a face mask
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3 Min Read

New policies on treating pain, OUD emerge from COVID-19 crisis

The DEA is allowing qualified physicians to prescribe buprenorphine over the telephone so patients can stay home. The AMA urges states to do the same.

Behavioral Health
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4 Min Read

March 27, 2020: State Advocacy Update

State policy options compiled for state regulators on COVID-19 and more in the latest State Advocacy Update.

Advocacy Update
Patient speaking with physician
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4 Min Read

New York effort raises use of MAT for opioid-use disorder

Medications for addiction treatment (MAT) are underused, with racial, geographic and economic barriers. Learn about a Big Apple initiative that’s making big changes.

Behavioral Health
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3 Min Read

After his son’s death, Massachusetts physician seeks to help others

James Baker, MD, whose son died of an overdose at 23, provides phone support to primary care doctors treating patients with substance-use disorders.

Behavioral Health
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4 Min Read

Expanding access to pain and addiction treatment in rural Missouri

Kurt Bravata, MD, is helping to build out the badly needed access points for evidence-based treatment.

Behavioral Health
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3 Min Read

Removing prior authorization for MAT results in more patient care

Learn how Maryland has changed the law to help patients with opioid-use disorder get the evidence-based care they need.

Prior Authorization
Rachel Franklin, MD
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3 Min Read

Reforming pain-management education for the next generation of physicians

Rachel Franklin, MD, starts from the ground up to create an objectively assessed, mechanism-based management program for chronic pain.

ChangeMedEd Initiative