A 2020 study examined the feasibility of using substance use disorder (SUD) patient intake assessment data as source of information for treatment planning. Patients are often assessed at the beginning of SUD treatment as part of the treatment planning process and to determine the most appropriate level of care (LOC), such as whether they need care in residential settings or can be safely treated in outpatient settings. This study examines whether SUD treatment needs, specialty addiction treatment services use, and gaps could be identified by linking LOC assessment data with SUD service utilization data. This report and issue brief describe the data received from four states that collected LOC assessment data and the process for linking the LOC assessment data with SUD utilization data. It also summarizes findings across the states and concludes by discussing how LOC assessment could be used to identify treatment gaps and help with treatment and workforce capacity planning. This study also produced a data set and documentation for others to use.
This research was compiled or funded under contract by HHS/ASPE’s Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy (BHDAP). Additional research in this area is available at the ASPE Behavioral Health page.
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Available Reports:
- Developing a Database of SUD Treatment Needs: Final Report
- Piloting Substance Use Disorder Level of Care Assessment Data as a Capacity Planning Tool Issue Brief
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