Approvals expand access to medically supervised prescription tapering
SOUTH PORTLAND — Prescriby Health, a specialty practice focused on safe, medically supervised tapering of prescriptions, has been accepted as a participating provider in Maine with Medicare and major commercial insurers Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna, significantly expanding access to prevention‑focused care for Mainers.
Prescriby Health helps patients safely reduce or discontinue prescription medications, including opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications and antidepressants. By addressing prescription use upstream, Prescriby Health helps patients avoid dependence, addiction, long‑term costs, and health complications.
“Joining these networks is a critical step toward making medically supervised medication tapering part of routine care,” said Kjartan Thorsson, MD co‑founder of Prescriby Health. “It gives patients a clear path to step off medications they no longer need and live healthier, more independent lives.”
Prescriby Health’s care model prioritizes prevention through structured, physician‑led tapering plans designed to help patients reduce medications safely and comfortably while minimizing withdrawal symptoms and health risks. Prescriby Health does not provide medication‑assisted treatment.
“This is not about taking medication away,” said Dr. Jennifer Monti, MD, a Portland‑based cardiologist and advisor to Prescriby Health. “It’s about giving patients control from the start and helping them leave prescriptions they no longer need, avoid painful withdrawal, and protect their quality of life.”
Maine has made meaningful progress in reducing unnecessary prescribing, particularly for opioids. However, many patients receive little guidance when they want to taper or safely discontinue use of prescriptions.
“Medication tapering requires clinical expertise and continuity of care,” said Dr. David Kispert, MD, medical director for Prescriby Health. “This model provides patients with dedicated support while allowing primary care providers to stay focused on their core practice.”
Prescriby Health’s physicians deliver ongoing, medically supervised care throughout the tapering process, developing personalized plans and working closely with patients and referring providers. Care is supported through the Prescriby App, which enables patients to track symptoms, monitor progress, and communicate with their care team. Physicians conduct regular check‑ins, adjust plans as needed, and coordinate care in accordance with CDC clinical guidelines and best practices in tapering and deprescribing.
The practice was launched as Prescriby in Reykjavík, Iceland, in 2024. Since that time, the practice has achieved an 88.2% success rate, helping nearly 1,000 patients reduce or discontinue prescription medication use through evidence‑based tapering protocols.
Prescriby Health is a specialty practice dedicated to safe, medically supervised tapering of prescription medications that can lead to dependence and addiction, primarily opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and antidepressants. Founded in Iceland in 2024, as Prescriby, (Prescriby Health in the US) opened a clinic in South Portland in 2026 and delivers care through a physician‑led, evidence‑based model that emphasizes prevention, access, and continuity of care. Learn more at prescribyhealth.com.
