Honest answers to the questions we hear most — about confidentiality, treatment, medications, and what to expect. If something isn't covered here, reach out anytime.
Yes. Your care is fully protected under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, which provides strict confidentiality protections for substance use disorder records. Before we speak with anyone about your care — including family members or other providers — we ask you to complete and sign a Release of Information form, which you fill out yourself. Nothing is shared without your explicit, written authorization.
No. Federal law (42 CFR Part 2) provides extremely strong confidentiality protections for addiction treatment records. Your employer has no right to this information and cannot obtain it without your written authorization. Your privacy is one of our highest priorities.
In most cases, no referral is needed — you can contact us directly. Some insurance plans may require a referral or prior authorization, but we'll help you navigate this and verify your coverage before your first visit. If a referral is needed and you consent, we'll reach out to your primary care provider on your behalf to coordinate getting one.
Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Rivkin will take the time to understand your full history, your goals, and what has or hasn't worked before. There's no judgment here. Together you'll discuss options and build a personalized care plan. Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes.
Yes. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) including buprenorphine (Suboxone) is one of the most effective evidence-based tools for opioid use disorder. Dr. Rivkin is fully licensed to prescribe MAT and will work with you to determine if it's the right fit for your situation. We also offer Sublocade, a once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine that eliminates the need for a daily pill — a great option for patients who prefer it.
Yes — and we encourage it. Telemedicine is available for new patients, follow-up visits, and withdrawal management from anywhere in Michigan — no commute, no waiting room. Video visits are secure, private, and covered by most insurance plans. That said, most patients will need at least one in-person visit, particularly when controlled substances are being prescribed for maintenance treatment or when Dr. Rivkin determines it is clinically necessary.
We accept most major commercial plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Healthy Michigan Plan. Cash pay is also welcome at transparent, upfront rates. Call us or use our contact form and we'll verify your specific coverage at no charge before your visit.
Only with your explicit written permission. Your care is yours, and your privacy is absolute. If you choose to involve family members, we can discuss ways to support them in supporting you — but this is entirely your decision.
Absolutely — and prior attempts are not signs of failure, they're part of most recovery journeys. A significant part of Dr. Rivkin's initial evaluation focuses on your history of previous treatment and periods of abstinence, specifically to build a plan around what has worked before. Past struggles do not predict future outcomes.
There's no fixed timeline — treatment length depends on your situation, goals, and how you respond over time. Some patients engage in treatment for months, others for years. The goal isn't to rush the process; it's to build a stable foundation for lasting recovery. Dr. Rivkin will work with you to revisit and adjust your plan at every visit.
No. Rivkin Addiction Medicine is an outpatient addiction medicine practice — you come in (or connect via telemedicine) for appointments, then go home. Rehab typically refers to inpatient or residential programs where you stay overnight. Outpatient addiction medicine is appropriate for many patients, especially those with stable housing and support. If a higher level of care is ever needed, Dr. Rivkin will help coordinate a referral.
This is a common situation and nothing to worry about. Dr. Rivkin will review your current medications during your first visit. We will only communicate with your other providers if you give us your approval — coordination of care always requires your explicit consent, documented through a signed Release of Information form that you complete yourself.
That's okay — and it's honest. Dr. Rivkin practices a harm reduction approach, meaning the goal is to help you reduce the harms associated with substance use, wherever you are in your journey. You don't need to be ready to completely abstain to benefit from care. Showing up is enough to start.
Reach out — all inquiries are treated with complete confidentiality.