Frequently Asked Questions
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is one of the available oral medications used to treat opioid dependency or addiction. The active ingredient, buprenorphine, is a partial agonist at the opioid receptor which results in cessation of opiate withdrawal symptoms and blockage of other opiate use/abuse while a patient is on this medication.
What does treatment cost?
All new patients will come in for their Intake Appointment, then a minimum of 3 weekly follow-up visits in the Stabilization Period. State of TN requirements for clean drug screens and addiction counseling must be met before advancing to 2-4 week appointments and into the Ongoing Maintenance phase of treatment.
|
Intake Call |
Intake Appointment |
Stabilization Period |
Ongoing Maintenance |
Frequency |
Once |
Once |
Weekly |
Monthly |
Urine Screen |
- |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Counseling |
- |
Initiated |
2 per month |
1 per month |
Price |
Free |
$130.00
$25.00 deposit required
|
$105.00 |
$155.00 |
The cost of medication, confirmatory drug testing, and counseling are not included in the above pricing.
It is also important to remember the costs associated with untreated opioid use disorders, including costs associated with:
- cost of the drug
- legal problems
- treating overdoses
- injuries associated with intoxication (e.g., drugged driving)
- lost productivity/work
- damage to relationships with friends and family
Do you accept insurance?
Renu accepts BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, some Cigna, Allegiance, all 3 TennCare Medicaid plans (BlueCare, UHC Community Plan, & Amerigroup), original Medicare Part B, and some Medicare Advantage plans.
Do your providers prescribe Subutex (buprenorphine mono product)?
Subutex will only be prescribed to patients during pregnancy.
Can I take Suboxone (buprenorphine products) while I am pregnant?
Yes. Our pregnant patients receive the buprenorphine mono product also known as Subutex. Buprenorphine is a pregnancy category C drug just as Methadone is a pregnancy category C drug and is commonly used during pregnancy.
What is the difference in Methadone and Suboxone?
Methadone and Suboxone are two popular medications used to treat opiate addictions. Both can be used as part of drug replacement therapy, in which they replace more potentially harmful opiates such as heroin or morphine.
Because someone with a severe opiate dependence can face severe health risks if they quit "cold turkey," these replacement medications are used to help wean patients off gradually and safely. While both drugs are used as part of drug detox and recovery treatment, they differ slightly in their benefits and risks. Learn more about the difference between methadone and suboxone, and how they can be used as part of a safe opiate rehab program.
Which medications does Renu offer for opioid dependency/abuse treatment?
Renu providers can prescribe Suboxone films, Zubsolv tablets, generic buprenorphine-naloxone films or tablets, Sublocade, and Narcan. Subutex is only prescribed to patients during pregnancy.
How long will I be on the medication?
Our treatment plans are individualized per patient. The goal of opioid treatment is stabilization of functioning. You may choose to withdraw from or be maintained on the medication as you so desire unless medically contraindicated. Tapering from the treatment medication shall only occur when clinically appropriate and in agreement with our patients.
Do I have to go to counseling?
Yes. The state of Tennessee requires ongoing counseling with a licensed counselor as part of Medication-Assisted Treatment Facility programs.
Can I still work while I'm enrolled in the program?
Yes. We are an outpatient program that does require attendance at your scheduled weekly and monthly appointments, but you are not restricted from working while enrolled in our program.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit/debit cards and money orders from all patients. Due to Tennessee law, we may only accept cash payments from patients who we are submitting claims for service to their insurance. We do not accept personal checks or cashier's checks.
What days are you open and when do you schedule appointments?
Patients are seen by appointment only, no walk-ins. Appointments are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as 1 Friday and 1 Saturday per month.
What does the medication cost?
Some insurances will reimburse the patient for the cost of the medication- we advise checking with the patient's insurance to determine coverage. For self-pay, we recommend downloading the GoodRX app to locate a pharmacy with the best rate according to the patient's location preference.
Can I switch from Methadone to Suboxone (buprenorphine products)?
Yes. You should taper your Methadone dose down to 30mg per day prior to scheduling an appointment with Renu.
What is Sublocade and does your clinic offer it?
Sublocade is a once monthly, slow-release injectable form of the opiate receptor blocker buprenorphine. Sublocade is an available option for patients whose treatment program progress and medical history indicate to our providers that Sublocade may be an appropriate alternative to oral medication.