Family Medicine at the Forefront: Advancing Telemedicine for Opioid Use Disorder (TeleOUD) Through Access, Trust, and Community-Centered Care.

Telemedicine for opioid use disorder (teleOUD) represents a critical opportunity to expand access to evidence-based treatment while reducing stigma and structural barriers that have long impeded recovery. Yet, gaps persist in awareness, education, and trust among both clinicians and patients. Family medicine, grounded in continuity, collaboration, and community-centered care, is uniquely positioned to close these gaps. By embedding teleOUD education into training programs, normalizing its use in primary care, and fostering interprofessional partnerships, family physicians can transform how OUD is treated and perceived. As teleOUD becomes an integral part of care delivery, the challenge ahead is not only technological adoption, but rebuilding trust, reshaping clinical culture, and ensuring that every patient can access treatment without fear or stigma.