Catasys on Healthcare Newsletter

This edition of the Catasys newsletter outlines 8 drivers impacting cost savings from your substance dependent population. Surprisingly, national averages show $160 million in claims are incurred by substance dependent members in a 1 million member health plan. The majority of these costs are medical, driven by the consequences of substance abuse (and are mitigated if the substance abuse is successfully addressed).

These articles highlight:
	a)	Insights into the decision making of substance dependent individuals
	b)	Cost impacts, and
	c)	Savings opportunities

As always, we hope you find these articles thought provoking.

Take care,

The Catasys Health Team
www.catasyshealth.com

P.S. – I have also attached a recent press release announcing a UnitedHealthcare company’s decision selecting Catasys to improve outcomes with their substance dependent members and lower costs.

September 2010 — Edition 2

Drinking Patterns, Gender and Health: Attitudes and Health Practices Addiction Research and Theory; April 2010; 18(2): 122–142

Rethink Treatment Models for Substance Dependence
Managed Healthcare Executive; June 1, 2010

Unforeseen Benefits: Addiction Treatment Reduces Health Care Costs Open Society Institute; July 2009

Press Releases
& Media

Catasys Health Announces Contract with Leading Regional Health Plan June 29, 2010 - Catasys, Inc.

	Recovery Network
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Catasys on Healthcare

The Latest in Healthcare News — September 2010

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One Reason Why Alcoholics Cost More Drinking Patterns, Gender and Health: Attitudes and Health Practices

	1.	The most frequent heavy drinkers reported they are:
		»	less collaborative with their doctors,
		»	more likely to dislike going to the doctor,
		»	less confident they can change health practices,
		»	more concerned about their doctor’s disapproval of their health practices,
		»	more likely to think that good health was a matter of good fortune,
		»	less likely to value the respect and admiration of others, and,
		»	attach less importance to religious/spiritual beliefs.

Addiction Research and Theory; April 2010; 18(2): 122–142

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Four Cost Factors of Your Substance Dependent Members
Rethink Treatment Models for Substance Dependence

	1.	10% of members likely to have substance dependence issues/costs
	2.	High-utilizing substance dependent members cost $25,500 each per year
	3.	Inpatient Average Length of Stay averages 5 days per member and costs $13,000
	4.	Only 10% of these members receive treatment

Managed Healthcare Executive; June 2010: 11

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Three Cost Savings Areas from Treating Substance Dependent Members
Unforeseen Benefits: Addiction Treatment Reduces Health Care Costs

	1.	Reduced cost of hospital stays
	2.	Reduced emergency room care costs
	3.	26% reduction in medical costs

Open Society Institute; July 2009, treatmentgap.org

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Thank you very much for reading our newsletter. We appreciate your support.
Catasys integrates medical and behavioral therapies to help your organization treat and manage your substance dependent population to improve outcomes and lowers both the medical and behavioral costs associated with Substance Dependence and related co-morbidities.

Catasys, Inc., 11150 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, California 90025
For questions regarding this newsletter, please email: info@catasyshealth.com

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