Joseph P. Morrissey, PhD¹, Kathleen C. Thomas, MPH, PhD¹, Shoou-Yih Daniel Lee, PhD², and Alan R. Ellis, MSW³. (1) Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 101 Conner Dr. Ste.302, Willowcrest Bldg., CB#3386, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3386, 919-966-5829, joe_morrissey@unc.edu, (2) Department of Health Policy and Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB# 7411, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7411, (3) Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 725 Airport Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7590

This paper examines recent trends in managed care participation by outpatient drug abuse treatment agencies. The data presented come from a three-wave panel study of 62 outpatient drug treatment units (DTUs) representing a 10% sample of agencies from the 1999 National Drug Abuse Treatment Services Study. The units were selected randomly from three strata based upon their managed care participation: none (n= 24), low (n-= 20), and high (n= 18). Both free-standing agencies and subunits of other organizations (hospitals, mental health centers, or other multi-component agencies) were included in the sample. Telephone interviews were conducted with the director or clinical manager of each unit in 1999, 2001, and 2003 to obtain information about their unit’s service program and managed care involvements. The rates of managed care participation at each wave will be highlighted. In addition, hierarchical linear regression and growth curve modeling will be used to assess the organizational correlates of four patterns of change in managed care participation: (1) increased involvement, (2) decreased involvement, (3) no change, and (4) unstable. A number of organizational attributes will be considered as predictors of these trends including size, urban/rural location, client mix, accreditation status, and auspices (free-standing DTUs vs. other). Findings will identify those drug abuse treatment agencies that thrive in a managed care environment and are better positioned to provide coordinated care to clients with multiple needs. Implications for further research will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Report the extent of managed care participation of outpatient drug treatment units.
• Describe the relative frequency of four patterns of change vis-à-vis managed care participation among outpatient drug treatment units.
• Identify the organizational characteristics associated with each pattern of change.

Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.