Objectives. The emphasis of managed care is to reduce costs and improve quality through efficiency in health care delivery and coordination of services. However, consumers, treatment providers and policy makers share concerns about the impact of cost-controlling measures on the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment. This study examines the impact of managed care on utilization and 6-month treatment outcomes by comparing adolescents enrolled in managed care with adolescents receiving treatment paid for through fee-for-service across six study sites in the U.S.
Methods. Data come from Medicaid administrative data, chart reviews, and interviews conducted with adolescents entering publicly funded substance abuse treatment between 1997 and 1999. Outcomes measured include the frequency of alcohol and other drug use.
Results. Preliminary evidence from Massachusetts (n=207, retention rate=90%) and from the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington State; n=200, retention rate=75%) indicated that there were no significant differences in service use and treatment outcomes between groups of adolescents in managed care and those in fee-for-service. Adolescents in both study sites showed reduced use of alcohol and other drugs at the 6 month follow-up. Further analyses will include all six study sites.
Conclusions. Preliminary evidence from two of the six sites suggests that there were no direct effects of managed care on service utilization or outcomes.
Learning Objectives: 1. List at least three outcomes associated with adolescent substance abuse treatment. 2. Identify the advantages and difficulties associated with conducting prospective research on outcomes of substance abuse treatment. 3. Discuss the major similarities and differences between fee-for-service and managed care substance abuse service delivery.
Keywords: Adolescents, Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.