Dataset Information

Factors related to Medicaid payment acceptance at outpatient substance abuse treatment programs.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine factors associated with Medicaid acceptance for substance abuse (SA) services by outpatient SA treatment programs.

Data sources

Secondary analysis of 2003-2006 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services data combined with state Medicaid policy and usage measures and other publicly available data.

Study design

We used cross-sectional analyses, including state fixed effects, to assess relationships between SA treatment program Medicaid acceptance and (1) program-level factors, (2) county-level sociodemographics and treatment program density, and (3) state-level population characteristics, SA treatment-related factors, and Medicaid policy and usage.

Data extraction methods

State Medicaid policy data were compiled based on reviews of state Medicaid-related statutes/regulations and Medicaid plans. Other data were publicly available. Principal Findings. Medicaid acceptance was significantly higher for programs: (a) that were publicly funded and in states with Medicaid policy allowing SA treatment coverage; (b) with accreditation/licensure and nonprofit/government ownership, as well as mental- and general-health focused programs; and (c) in counties with lower household income.

Conclusions

SA treatment program Medicaid acceptance related to program-, county, and state-level factors. The data suggest the importance of state policy and licensure/accreditation requirements in increasing SA program Medicaid access.

SUBMITTER: Terry-McElrath YM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3064923 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BACKGROUND:While treatment satisfaction has been associated with better outcomes in substance abuse treatment, there is an obvious need for a more profound understanding of what predicts client's satisfaction with treatment. This study elucidates factors relevant to treatment outcome measured at follow-up in terms of satisfaction with the treatment received. METHODS:The research was implemented as a multisite study in outpatient clinics (N?=?7) in southern and western Finland. Data consists of therapists (N?=?33) and their clients (N?=?327). Each consenting client beginning a treatment period was accepted as a research subject and all therapists at the clinics in question participated. The study was conducted as part of the clinic's normal activity. Clients were allocated to therapists according to a randomization list drawn up in advance. Apart from the randomisation and the completion of questionnaires, it did not interfere with the progress of treatment. Follow-up lasted 6 months. Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) was used through combinations of variables organized by content, e.g. client demographics, previous substance use, therapist's characteristics and client's expectations. The analyses were based in part on conventional statistical testing (t -test, ?2-test, ANOVA). RESULTS:Among 37 independent variables few were statistically significant in the final model. The results suggest that high treatment expectations at baseline are a strong predictor of satisfaction at follow-up. Also, previous substance use predicted treatment satisfaction; people using multiple substances were less satisfied than those taking only one substance. Stronger predictors reduced the statistical significance of those independent variables that were statistically significant in the first analyses. Therefore, therapist's role in recovery and readiness to change should be also seen as antecedents to treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS:It seems that treatment expectations are fulfilled among those participating in follow-up. Yet many are lost during treatment and by follow-up. Service users have experiential knowledge that differs from professionals' and policymakers' knowledge. It is clinically relevant to understand what factors affect client's satisfaction. Hence, it is possible to identify the population whose treatment should receive the most attention, how the client's experience, their commitment to treatment, and treatment effectiveness could be improved.