FIRSTLY, IS THE FACILITY A REHAB?
Many websites these days masquerade as a rehab, when in actual fact, they are acting like a travel agent, namely selling treatment on behalf of a facility with whom they have a contract. The ethical guidelines of the Health Professions Council rightly outlaw the practice called “touting.” However, these fake websites ignore ethical considerations and aren’t accountable to anyone.They have no interest in your wellbeing or welfare; only the amount of commission they can make out of your referral to a facility with whom they have a kickback arrangement. Sometimes they will even auction you to the facility that pays them the best commission.
SECONDLY, IS THE FACILITY REGISTERED?
Registration with a statutory authority does not guarantee good treatment but it does mean that the facility has had to meet certain medico-legal requirements but more importantly, it means that if things go wrong, you will have some recourse. Always ask whether the facility is registered with the Department of Social Development. If it is, the facility is likely connected to medical aid reimbursement, providing you with a significant benefit.
DOES THE FACILITY HAVE A TREATMENT TRACK RECORD?
With the advent of the internet, anyone with an empty garage in their backyard can set up a rehab and make the most outrageous treatment claims and success stories. They will describe a programme filled with all sorts of recreational activities and alternative therapies all designed to distract from their inexperience with actual addiction treatment. They know that the target audience with addictive disorders is usually very desperate for help and vulnerable to exploitation, so snake oil salesman abound. So, make sure they can deliver on what they claim.
IS THE TREATMENT FACILITY PROPERLY STAFFED?
Most treatment facilities have a mix of properly trained registered healthcare professionals and as well para-professional counselling staff. It’s important to maintain a balance, as many clients today have psychological disorders that, if unaddressed, significantly raise the relapse risk. So the presence of professionals is important but because they are expensive to employ, facilities tend to keep them to a minimum.
IS THERE A NURSING, MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PLACE?
If the answer is yes, ask for details. If the answer is no, venture forth at your own risk. Most people with addictive disorders will have medication or nursing needs while in treatment that require the presence of trained medical staff.
WHAT ABOUT THE COSTS?
This question is critical because many facilities prioritise profit, placing your treatment outcome as a secondary consideration.
- Does medical aid cover the treatment?
- Is there a co payment?
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Do they require a medical deposit?
- What costs are not included? Are their hidden costs?
- Most important, what is the refund policy if treatment ends early?
- Do they pay a referral fee to an agency upon your admission?
CAVEAT EMPTOR!
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