Rural-urban differences in out-of-network treatment initiation and engagement rates for substance use disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine rural-urban disparities in substance use disorder treatment access and continuation.

Data sources and study setting

We analyzed a 2016-2018 U.S. national secondary dataset of commercial insurance claims.

Study design

This cross-sectional study examined individuals with a new episode of opioid, alcohol, or other drug use disorders. Treatment initiation and engagement rates, and rates of using out-of-network providers for these services, were compared between rural and urban patients.

Data collection

We included individuals 18-64 years old with continuous employer-sponsored insurance.

Principal findings

Patients in rural settings experienced lower treatment initiation rates for alcohol (36.6% vs. 38.0%, p < 0.001), opioid (41.2% vs. 44

SUBMITTER: Raver E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11366955 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature