Objectives. Managed care has been mandated as the organizational and delivery system for chemical dependency treatment services under the innovative Oregon Health Plan since 1995. This study examines the impact of this delivery system on short and long-term post-treatment clinical outcomes for samples of clients receiving treatment under managed and non-managed care systems.
Methods. Data from a prospective sample of over 500 clients entering new treatment episodes in Oregon (managed care system) and Washington (non-managed care system) were collected at treatment entry (baseline), and at six and twelve-month follow-up intervals. A structured interview protocol featured the Addiction Severity Index.. Follow-up rates were 74% (six months) and 76% (twelve months). Attrition bias was minimal.
Results. Statistically significant short-term (six-month follow-up) clinical improvements evidenced in the three behavioral health domains of the ASI (alcohol use, drug use, psychiatric status) in the managed care sample persisted to the twelve-month follow-up point, even after the majority of clients had completed treatment. In the non-managed care comparison group, this was true of improvements in alcohol use only. Little change in either sample was in evidence for physical health status.
Conclusions. Evidence suggests greater indications of lasting effects of treatment outcomes within managed care. Direct attribution of these differences to managed care is problematic in that other variations across these systems may be more influential in these differences. However, the robustness of the positive effect of chemical dependency treatment within these publicly funded populations is clear.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this poster, participants will be able to 1. Identify the persistent, long term outcomes of chemical dependency treatment. 2. List the characteristics of clients most closely related to positive and persistent outcomes of chemical dependency treatment. 3. Evaluate the influence of managed care vs. other system factors in the attribution of these differences in outcomes.
Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.