Healthcare utilization of individuals with opiate use disorders: an analysis of integrated medicaid and state mental health/substance abuse agency data

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2008 Jan;35(1):91-106. doi: 10.1007/s11414-007-9067-1. Epub 2007 Jun 7.

Abstract

Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Integrated Database (IDB) were used to examine the service use patterns of individuals with possible opiate use disorders in Washington State. Results indicate that regardless of Medicaid enrollment status, individuals who received mental health (MH) or substance abuse (SA) services only through state agencies received no inpatient substance abuse service. Furthermore, when compared with individuals who received at least one MH/SA service through Medicaid, those who received services only through the state agencies were less likely to have received any MH services and were more likely to have received residential SA services. This analysis highlights the importance of using integrated client data in providing a more comprehensive understanding of services to inform policy and raises significant questions about how regulatory requirements affecting different funding mechanisms might drive settings of care in ways not related to the care needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Medicaid*
  • Medical Records
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Opioid-Related Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Opioid-Related Disorders* / therapy
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States
  • Washington / epidemiology