Novus Medical Detox Center Condemns Patient Brokering by Drug Rehab Facilities and Advocates for Regulation

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., April 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Cases of patient brokering, insurance fraud and other unethical practices have led the FBI to investigate Florida drug rehab facilities and sober homes (1) and prompted drastic actions by health insurers (2, 3); yet recent reports suggest such illicit activities are still taking place (4). Novus Medical Detox Center, a leading Florida-based drug treatment facility, strongly condemns those that take advantage of drug users and their health insurance simply to turn a profit, calling for expanded regulations and enforcement to ensure individuals with substance use disorders receive appropriate treatment.

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The FBI investigation and raids targeted drug treatment centers and halfway houses in Palm Beach County, Florida, where addiction treatment is estimated to be a $1 billion industry (1). Citing "an exponential increase in fraudulent and abusive care delivery practices," particularly by substance abuse clinics and labs, insurance company Cigna pulled out of Florida's health insurance exchange this year (2). After Allstate Insurance Company filed suit against several South Florida drug treatment and testing centers accused of patient brokering, up-coding, fraudulent billing, and other illicit practices, the insurer was recently awarded $6 million in judgments (3).

Many believe the Affordable Care Act and 2008 Parity Act have inadvertently driven the surge in unethical and fraudulent activities by expanding access to healthcare and mandating coverage for substance abuse treatment (4), making drug users with health insurance "a sought-after commodity" (1). Some drug rehab centers and halfway houses are reportedly paying patient brokers—also known as "marketers" or "junkie hunters"—up to $500 per head for bringing drug users into their programs, with some marketers even giving their recruits money for drugs to ensure they test positive when checking into treatment (4).

"While Florida drug rehab facilities and sober homes may be at the center of the current scandal, these unethical practices are happening nationwide—and they need to stop," asserted Bryn Wesch, Chief Financial Officer for Novus Medical Detox Center. "It's unconscionable to take advantage of people struggling with substance use disorders just to bilk their health insurers. Those who are trying to overcome addiction need outcome-focused treatment that will put them on the road to recovery and sobriety, but that's not likely to happen when unscrupulous individuals are profiting by keeping them relapsing and in rehab."

Wesch aims to raise awareness of the illicit practices that are plaguing the addiction treatment industry, and she hopes to prevent individuals with substance abuse disorders from falling victim to the predatory activities of patient brokers. She believes that stricter regulations and better enforcement can help solve the problem by shutting down facilities that are not acting in patients' best interests and/or are solely operating for financial gain.

"So many other businesses are regulated, yet these addiction centers and halfway houses escape regulation because they are classified as 'residences.' We've seen the consequences of unregulated recovery residences and the harm they can cause," said Wesch. "That's why we'd like to see regulations expanded throughout the addiction treatment industry, so that people with substance use disorders can be assured of safe, outcome-focused care from legitimate providers of detox, drug rehab and intensive outpatient treatment programs."

Novus offers medically supervised addiction and detox programs, and is recognized for its expertise in treating high-dose opioid and methadone cases that other facilities often refuse to handle. The Florida detox facility provides individually customized treatment plans based on proven medical protocols, including 24-hour access to nursing care and withdrawal specialists. Novus is committed to ensuring patients' safety and comfort during the withdrawal process and preparing them for a successful recovery.

For more information on Novus Medical Detox Center and its alcohol and drug treatment programs, visit www.novusdetox.com.

About Novus Medical Detox Center:

Novus Medical Detox is a Joint Commission Accredited inpatient medical-detox facility. Novus offers safe, effective alcohol and drug treatment programs in a peaceful, relaxed and tranquil spa-like setting. Bordering a protected conservation area, Novus lies on 3.25 acres and provides a perfect setting for quiet walks.  Novus is located in New Port Richey, Florida, and is also licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families and is known for minimizing the discomfort of withdrawal from prescription medication, drugs or alcohol by creating a customized detox program for each patient. By incorporating medication, natural supplements and fluid replenishment, Novus tailors the detox process for each patient. There is 24/7 medical supervision, including round-the-clock nursing care and access to a withdrawal specialist. Novus' expansion is tied to their contribution to their industry and their local community, ranking in the Florida Business Journal's top 500, the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Fast 50 and Inc. Magazine's 500/5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America for the past 3 years. Novus has become a regular source to the media, such as The Wall Street Journal and USA Today publications, as true advocates for standardization of care in detox in order to help more people get their lives back. For more information, visit www.novusdetox.com. 

1.    Beall, Pat and Christine Stapleton. "County's $1 Billion Gold Rush: Addiction Treatment Draws FBI"; Palm Beach Post; July 30, 2015. mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/countys-1-billion-gold-rush-addiction-treatment-dr/nm9J9/

2.    Hurtibise, Ron. "Citing Fraud by Substance Abuse Centers, Cigna Withdraws From Florida's Health Insurance Exchange"; Sun Sentinel; October 16, 2015. sun-sentinel.com/business/consumer/fl-cigna-pullout-of-florida-health-insurance-exchanges-20151016-story.html

3.    Allstate. "Allstate Insurance Company Awarded More Than $6 Million in Judgments Against South Florida Health Care Clinics"; press release issued March 10, 2016. prnewswire.com/news-releases/allstate-insurance-company-awarded-more-than-6-million-in-judgments-against-south-florida-health-care-clinics-300233443.html

4.    Ferguson, Cat. "Addicts for Sale"; BuzzFeed; March 19, 2016. buzzfeed.com/catferguson/addiction-marketplace

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SOURCE Novus Medical Detox Center