Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral to Go to Rehab?

If you struggle with addiction, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]

Getting into an addiction treatment program can seem like a daunting task. You have to find one that suits your needs, takes your insurance, and offers the program specifications you are interested in. It can start to feel like there are never-ending steps when it comes to preparing for drug and alcohol rehab.

If you are looking into entering a rehab program, you might find yourself wondering if you need a referral from your doctor. The short answer is no. You can enter addiction treatment without speaking to a primary care physician or medical professional.

However, if you are using insurance to cover your addiction treatment, your plan might require a referral. Sometimes health insurance plans require referrals from doctors to ensure that addiction treatment is medically necessary. You need to check with your insurance to determine whether a doctor’s referral is necessary for addiction treatment.

In this article, you will learn:

• Do you need a referral from a doctor to enter a drug and alcohol rehab program?
• Does insurance require a doctor’s referral for addiction treatment?
• What are the benefits of including your primary care physician in your addiction treatment journey?

Do You Need a Doctor’s Referral for Addiction Treatment?

Substance abuse treatment centers accept anyone who needs help recovering from addiction. All you have to do is call the facility, determine if they have a bed available, and provide them with the necessary information. They do not require you to get a referral from a doctor to enter their programs.

That said, sometimes it is easier to find an addiction treatment facility using a doctor’s referral. To explain, there are tons of rehabs out there and not every program is created equally. Asking your doctor or therapist to refer you to addiction treatment will ensure the program you enter is reputable and trustworthy.

If you know of a treatment center already, either from word of mouth or doing your research, you don’t have to worry about getting a referral. Simply call the facility and let them know you’d like to join their program. They will guide you through the process of entering treatment.

Mandala Healing Center accepts the following insurance providers

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Getting a Referral for Insurance Reasons

While it is not required to get a doctor’s referral to enter an addiction treatment program, you might need one for insurance purposes. Some healthcare plans require referrals for specialty treatment before they offer coverage, as a referral proves that a healthcare professional deems the treatment necessary for your health.

If you are planning on using your insurance to cover the cost of drug and alcohol rehab, you should contact your company to determine whether a referral is necessary. If so, you should set up an appointment with your primary care physician. They will evaluate your substance use disorder, determine if you require addiction treatment, and create a treatment referral for a reputable program in the area.

What are the Benefits of Looping in Your Primary Care Physician?

Even if you do not need a referral for insurance reasons, you might want to let your primary care physician know that you are entering an addiction treatment program. There are a few benefits to looping your doctor in.

First, your doctor will be prepared to provide the treatment center with all of your pertinent medical history. The treatment center will need this information to provide you with relevant care.

Additionally, if your doctor knows when your addiction treatment program is ending, they can set up appointments to evaluate your health. For example, many people in early recovery from addiction have concerns about their heart and liver health. If your doctor knows about your recovery, they can follow up with you to evaluate how you are doing physically now that you are sober.

While primary care physicians do not serve as the main point of contact during addiction treatment programs, they can play a huge role in tracking your progress from before recovery to after recovery. While sobriety can be a long road, having your doctor there to support you during the early stages will set you up for long-term success.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer an individualized and evidence-based approach to addiction treatment. At our treatment facility, you’ll receive all of the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.

Why Choose The Mandala Healing Center? Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.

Contact us today for more information on our alcohol and drug addiction treatment center.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health