PROVIDING MEDICAL-CARE TO METHADONE CLINIC PATIENTS - REFERRAL VS ON-SITE CARE

Objectives. Intravenous drug users are at high risk for medical illnes s, yet many are medically underserved. Most methadone treatment progra ms have insufficient resources to provide medical care. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of providing medical care at a me thadone clinic site vis referral to another site. Methods. Patients wi th any of four target medical conditions were randomized into an on-si te group offered medical care at the methadone treatment clinic and a referred group offered medical care at a nearby clinic. Entry to treat ment and use of medical services were analyzed. Results. Of 161 intrav enous drug users evaluated, 75 (47%) had one or more of the target med ical conditions. Fifty-one were randomized. In the on-site group (n = 25), 92% received medical treatment; in the referred group (n = 26), o nly 35% received treatment. Conclusions. Providing medical care at a m ethadone treatment program site is more effective than the usual refer ral procedure and is a valuable public health intervention.