Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) began as a Buffalo, New York-based electronic referral platform to connect patients to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs). Buffalo MATTERs served to establish prescribing guidelines for physicians and advanced practice providers opioid use disorder in Western New York. Our electronic referral platform efficiently refers patients with opioid use disorder from emergency departments, OB/GYN offices, correctional facilities, inpatient units, pre-hospital settings, etc. to community-based clinics.

Today, the program has expanded to several regions of the state. Referrals to treatment are completed via an electronic platform, securely housed on the New York State Health Commerce System. Currently, 220+ referral sites, 250+ treatment organizations, and 1,000+ pharmacies participate, and we continue to rapidly expand across health networks. 

Our electronic referral process is completed collaboratively with our patients on any internet accessible device. While at the site of referral, patients chooses a follow up appointment, typically within 72 hours, at a treatment organization that best fits their needs. Patients with Medicaid or no insurance automatically receive a medication voucher that covers up-to a 14-day buprenorphine prescription and is redeemable at all CVS, Walgreens, DuaneReade, and Wegmans locations across the state. Additionally, any patient who indicates they need transportation assistance is offered a free Uber Health round trip ride to their first clinic appointment. Individuals receive these resources regardless of co-occurring drug use, medical history, or insurance status. This all happens in about 5 minutes 24/7, without making a single phone call.

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