1.115 The 20-Year Impact of Medical Society Instruments on Overcoming Barriers to Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Abstract

The effects of substance use disorder (SUD) in adolescents are profound, but due to lack of resources, only 10% to 15% of those who require treatment eventually receive care. One obstacle is denial of insurance benefits for a higher level of care. Reasons for denial are often unclear. If a health plan denies a medical service, consumers in California are able to apply for independent medical review (IMR) to pursue overturning the initial denial through the California Department of Managed Health Care (CDMHC).