A field experiment in capitated payment systems and recovery management: the women's recovery association pilot study

Against the backdrop of shifting perspectives regarding substance abuse policy, upcoming changes to the health care system, and progress toward parity for mental health and substance abuse treatment, an exploratory pilot study is being conducted in San Mateo County, California, to assess the potential of a capitated case rate combined with a recovery management approach in a community-based substance abuse treatment program for women. The rationale for developing the approach, planning, and implementation of the pilot project, the struggle of the agency to transform from episodic treatment to a chronic care model, and a case study that highlights organizational changes are discussed. Lessons learned and implications for the second year of the pilot project are also discussed.