June 2024: ROC Monthly Masterminds Call
TPAS & Multiplan Federal Hearings
How to Make Dollars and Sense of a Dynamic Alumni Program & The Multiplan Federal Hearings
Thanks to Gina de Peralta Thorne, Executive Director of Treatment Professionals in Alumni Services (TPAS), and Matt Lavin, Healthcare and Commercial Litigation partner at Arnall Golden Gregory, for joining us on this month’s Masterminds discussion.
In our engaging conversation, we focused on creating effective strategies for developing a robust alumni program that enhances positive patient outcomes. We also discussed maximizing the impact of your marketing and admissions investments and ensuring that every dollar spent is put to good use.
Additionally, we shed light on the implications of the ongoing Multiplan federal hearings and their widespread effects on healthcare practices.
Treatment Professionals in Alumni Services (TPAS) Recap
“ALUMNI SERVICES SERVE AS A VEHICLE FOR POST-TREATMENT ADDICTION RECOVERY SUPPORT, SPEARHEADED BY ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE RECOVERY COMMUNITY, MANY OF WHOM ARE PEER RECOVERY COACH SPECIALISTS. ”
-William White Recovery White Paper, 2013
Historical Challenges with Alumni Services
Alumni services were relatively new, and many programs are at a loss at where to begin.
Minimal understanding of which specific alumni services directly corollate with positive impact and enhanced alumni engagement.
Increased competition in the field and financial pressures have shifted leadership’s attention primarily to marketing and admissions.
Emphasis on the clinical experience supports an acute-care model as opposed to a sustained recovery.
Due to financial constraints, the alumni staff members lack adequate resources to create robust opportunities to support alumni to extend the benefits of their treatment experience.
2024 Outcomes for TPAS
Outcomes in 2018 for Treatment Facilities Involved in TPAS
Increase in alumni engagement
Frequency of alumni activities increased.
Increase in alumni returning to the facility to participate in programming.
Organizational Impact
Leadership indicated adoption & investment of alumni programs accounted for up to 50% or referrals.
Costs per Alumni admission range from $700 to $1100
Costs per traditional marketing and business development activities range from $3500 to $5000 and even went as high as $8000 per referral in some instances
Interested in becoming a member or learning more? Reach out to Gina!
Gina de Peralta Thorne, MS
Executive Director
Treatment Professionals in Alumni Services
gina@tpasrecovery.org
757-784-7550
Healthcare Price Fixing: MultiPlan Under Scrutiny
MultiPlan has been collaborating with numerous payors to standardize the prices for healthcare services across various sectors. This practice has not gone unnoticed; it has sparked significant controversy and led to high-profile investigations.
Senate Hearings and Investigations
Senator Amy Klobuchar has spearheaded Senate hearings to delve into MultiPlan’s operations, particularly focusing on how the company facilitates information exchange between major insurance company competitors. The transparency and legality of these practices are under investigation.
Department of Justice Investigation and Federal Antitrust Lawsuits
The Department of Justice has announced an investigation into MultiPlan, leading to a sharp drop in the company's stock and the potential for delisting from the stock exchange. The CEO of MultiPlan has been summoned to testify before the Senate, further intensifying scrutiny on the company.
In response, federal antitrust lawsuits have been filed against MultiPlan, accusing it of cartel-like price fixing. This practice, where major market players like insurance companies conspire to set standardized rates, is both criminally illegal and subject to civil liabilities. The investigations and complaints are particularly concentrated in states like California, New York, and Illinois (just to name a few), with approximately 14 specific complaints for Matt and AGG’s team related to price fixing in substance abuse facilities.
Understanding Cartel Price Fixing
Cartel price fixing occurs when dominant competitors in a market, like major insurance companies, agree to set fixed rates for services they pay for. This collusion is illegal and can lead to significant damages for those affected.
Legal Claims Against MultiPlan
Various claims can be filed against MultiPlan, including those related to data isight, Viant, and front-end negotiations. Matt and the law firm AGG represent affected parties on a contingency basis. Joining a class action lawsuit is straightforward; all cases will be consolidated in a federal courthouse, simplifying the process for plaintiffs.
How to Participate
Thousands of healthcare providers are expected to join the class action lawsuit. If you have received any price payments from ANY payors, you can participate by providing confirmation of these payments.
Your participation could help hold MultiPlan accountable and potentially lead to significant compensation for any damages incurred due to the alleged price-fixing practices.
For more information or to join the class action, please contact Matt and AGG for assistance.
Additional Resources:
Have more questions? Reach out to Matt!
Matt Lavin
Healthcare and Commercial Litigation partner
Arnall Golden Gregory
202.677.4959