Questions to ask when seeking a treatment center

Finding the right care team and care setting can be daunting because many factors usually go into a decision about where to go for treatment. The questions to ask range from practical questions about costs, insurance, and availability to take on new patients, as well as to experience and types of treatment offerings. This list will help guide you through the maze of questions that are important to ask staff at a treatment facility you are considering. Be sure to take notes or record responses to refer to at a later time as needed.

• • Does the center accept the patient’s insurance? If so, how much will it cover?
  • Does the center offer help in obtaining reimbursement from the insurer?
  • Does the center offer financial assistance?
  • How long has the center been in business?
  • Does the center have Joint Commission accreditation?
  • What is the center’s treatment philosophy?
  • Does the center have any religious affiliations, and if so, what role do they play in treatment philosophy?
  • Does the center provide multidisciplinary care?
  • Is the location convenient for the patient and his/her support people who will be involved throughout recovery?
  • If the location is far away for in-person family participation, what alternatives are there?
  • What security does the facility have in place to protect patients?
  • What is expected of the family during the person’s stay?
  • What are the visiting guidelines for family or friends?
  • What levels of care does the center provide?
  • What types of professionals participate on the care team?
  • What are the staff’s credentials and experience?
  • How many hours of treatment are provided to a patient each day and week?
  • Which professional serves as team leader?
  • What types of therapy does the center consider essential? Optional?
  • What is that patient-staff ratio?
  • What is the turnover rate (staff resigning) for clinical staff? How is that handled with patients?
  • Who will the patient have the most contact with on a daily basis?
  • What is the mealtime support philosophy?
  • Who will update key family or friends? How often?
  • How is care coordinated for the patient inside the center and outside, if needed?
  • If the patient is currently enrolled in school, how will the center coordinate with the patient’s teachers and school counselor to obtain school assignments? Is there a teacher on staff, and does the treatment plan include time for completion of schoolwork?
  • How does the center communicate with the patient’s family doctors and other doctors that may routinely provide care?
  • What are your criteria for determining whether a patient needs to be partially or fully hospitalized?
  • What happens in counseling sessions? Will there be individual and group sessions? Will there be family sessions?
  • How does the care team measure success for the patient?
  • How do you decide when a patient is ready to leave? How is that transition managed with the patient and family?
  • What follow-up care after discharge is needed, and who should deliver it? Which staff member is responsible for coordinating discharge planning with the patient and family?