Addiction can take over a person’s life, but it can also have significant effects on a person’s health. Because addiction is treated as a disease, many people think they need to receive a recommendation or referral from a doctor to enter a treatment facility. However, there’s a good reason to go to Florida rehab even if you or someone you care about hasn’t received a diagnosis or official recommendation. Here are a few reasons why.
Your Doctor’s Role in Treatment
You don’t need a specific referral from a doctor to enter a rehab facility. However, many experts advise starting by making an appointment with your doctor before signing up for rehab. Your doctor might have some advice specific to your medical needs to help you through the process. In addition, your doctor will likely want to look for signs that you could benefit from some sort of medical treatment before heading to rehab. Staying at a local detox clinic to begin the process, for example, might be beneficial. In addition, your doctor will want to follow up with you after your rehab is ended, and a pre-rehab meeting can provide valuable medical information.
However, those in need of treatment shouldn’t hesitate to call a rehab center. The time to start the recovery process is as soon as possible, and entering rehab right away will get you on the path to a life free from addiction. The rehab process entails working with medical professionals who understand general health in addition to their addiction expertise. If medical problems arise while you’re in rehab, you’ll receive the treatment you need promptly.
Insurance Issues
People sometimes think that a doctor’s referral is required to have rehab covered by insurance. Although your doctor can provide this diagnosis, so too can the professionals at your rehab center. You don’t need a referral for care before entering a rehab center, although you or someone you trust might be able to start the process of handling any insurance paperwork before you start your treatment.
It might be worth going over your specific insurance plan to find out what it covers in terms of rehab. Certain plans might not be required by federal law to cover addiction services, and knowing that you’re covered can give you peace of mind. Note that state law may require your insurer to cover addiction-related costs even if the federal government does not. If you have questions about what insurance covers, you might want to speak with your insurer, human resources manager or the rehab center for guidance.
Your Doctor’s Role After Treatment
For some people, part of the recovery process involves following up on any potential medical issues that arise along the way. Your doctor will keep track of a number of factors that might indicate ongoing issues, including some of the following:
* Your heart health
* Liver counts, especially for alcohol recovery
* Your weight
* Your mental health
Although some types of addiction can lead to chronic issues, people generally bounce back after recovery better than they imagined. Furthermore, even those who develop chronic health issues can benefit from ceasing substance abuse as quickly as possible and receiving treatment.
Doctors often refer their patients to mental health experts and others who provide services for addiction. Even though your doctor likely won’t serve as the main point of contact for managing your addiction, primary care physicians serve as your centerpiece for overall health. Through your doctor, you can track your overall health progress. Furthermore, primary care doctors are great if you have further questions about living a healthy lifestyle. Your first priority should be dealing with your addiction, but you’ll also want to focus on the greater goal of living a healthy, fulfilling life.
There’s no shortcut to beating addiction, and the process will take some time. However, entering a rehab center lays the foundation for lifelong success, and the progress you make while at an inpatient center will give you the tools needed to thrive. Although receiving a recommendation from your doctor is a sure sign that rehab is the right move for you, note that you can enter treatment on your own. Furthermore, it’s likely that your insurance will cover some of the costs of rehab. If you have any questions or concerns about the recovery process, we can help. Give us a call at 772-266-5320.
