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‘Cash-only clinics' help addicts in different ways

"I was on a bad path of destruction. My life was unmanageable."

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Those are the words from a recovering heroin addict named Harold, talking about a cash-only clinic that got him clean. Like many other people in Western Pennsylvania, Harold's addiction started with prescription painkillers given to him after several injuries.

"When the pills ran out from the hospital or doctor or whatnot, I started buying street drugs. And it turned into a heroin addiction," said Harold.

Harold tried to get help but had little success at conventional treatment centers. He finally was able to get clean with the help of WBK Healthcare Services in Bridgeville. WBK is a cash-only clinic that prescribes Suboxone and Subutex to help patients treat their opioid addictions.

Pennsylvania state law does not require counseling for patients to receive those drugs, but WBK's CEO, Mario Blackston, says his doctors won't write a prescription without it.

"If the patient only fixes one portion of their addiction it's not going to help them in the long run. So they need to have both together," said Blackston.

Blackston said that when he opened his clinic in Bridgeville, he planned on accepting insurance to make treatment even more accessible.

"It was, like, $12,000 to start up, just to get credentialed with three different insurance companies. We just couldn't afford it," said Blackston.

There are a significantly higher number of cash only clinics in Western Pennsylvania than there are clinics that accept insurance. 11 Investigates found not all of those cash only clinics operate like WBK, with some clinics charging hundreds of dollars each month for minimal treatment.

"When you're finally seen by the doctor, you're seen for like 30 seconds and you're out the door," said one recovering addict, who wanted to remain anonymous, speaking about cash clinics that do not offer counseling.

The issue is one being tackled in Harrisburg. In March 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services released new guidelines requiring treatment for Medicaid patients receiving prescriptions like Suboxone.

WPXI's investigation also prompted new legislation that, if passed, would require all drug-assisted rehab clinics provide counseling with prescriptions. Blackston said he would welcome the legislation.

"I'm very hopeful that something will come along to regulate it and make it better for everyone. That way we're not lumped into the group of clinics doing the wrong things," said Blackston.