Does managed care lead to efficiencies in the cost-outcome profile of substance abuse service linkages? In order to meet the needs of clients with comorbidities, drug treatment units may rely on relationships with mental health and primary care providers. Managed care, with its emphasis on cost containment, encourages less costly relationships. If less costly linkages lead to lower quality outcomes, two scenarios appear possible. If linkages allow for a more efficient mix of services, both clients and managed care organizations may best be served by relying on a few effective linkages, even if they are expensive. If instead, linkages do not appear to convey the desired advantages, then managed care may restrict linkages of all kinds. This study seeks to determine the relationship between perceived linkage costs and the outcomes of resulting service networks under varying levels of managed care penetration. The study uses data from approximately 420 service providers in 60 sites across the US. At each site, one outpatient substance abuse organization is interviewed along with up to six other local providers of mental health and primary care which comprise the service network. Data describe attributes of each organization and their clients including service linkage costs, content, and managed care penetration. Claims data from public and private insurers supplement primary data to characterize service pattern outcomes. Preliminary data show variation in linkage costliness and client involvement. Managed care may foster workable service networks, or may weaken existing ones. Implications for substance abuse policy and practice will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe service linkages between substance abuse, mental health and primary care providers. 2. Detail the relationship between costs and outcomes of the above service linkages. 3. Describe the impacts of managed care on the cost-outcome profile of substance abuse service linkages.
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.