UTILIZATION REVIEW OF TREATMENT FOR CHEMICAL-DEPENDENCE

Utilization review of treatment for chemical dependence has become inc reasingly important as evidence accumulates that outpatient treatment can be effective in many cases. The authors discuss the basic question s that guide utilization review of treatment for chemical dependence, summarize research that has led to the increasing emphasis on outpatie nt and partial hospital treatment approaches, and review the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for utilization review of chemica l dependence treatment. Case examples illustrate issues in the treatme nt of adolescents, patients with dual diagnoses, and relapsing patient s. The authors conclude that utilization review supports use of inpati ent care only for patients who require intensive services, including t hose who are a danger to themselves or others, have serious physical o r psychiatric disorders, or have not responded to an adequate trial of outpatient treatment.