Designing chemical dependency programs in HMOs

This article is a description of an existing chemical dependency treatment program in an HMO, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, a consumer-owned and governed staff model organization. It presents the various issues that were considered before deciding to develop an in-house program and the variety of different services offered. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program of Treatment (ADAPT) is a comprehensive model offering both inpatient and outpatient detoxification and rehabilitation services to an enrollment base of approximately 350,000 subscribers. This article, written from a practical "nuts and bolts" perspective, should benefit other HMO providers who are considering development of their own in-house program.