Ethical Drug Testing is a priority at Cornerstone

Ethical drug testing is a priority at Cornerstone of Southern California and has been since our inception in 1984. Since that time we have seen a trend toward unethical practices by treatment centers and testing laboratories centering around higher profits. So what should ‘Ethical Drug Testing’ look like?

Upon admission to a treatment program it should be required that a full panel, lab tested blood or urine sample is acquired from each individual entering the program. This is usually a requirement by most insurance companies for initial authorizations. The initial test is called a ‘baseline test’ and is extremely important in the first stage of drug treatment in order to know precisely the quality and types of substances which are present in the potential client. This knowledge can then be used by the treatment team and the chosen physician to plan out the initial phase and best possible course of treatment for the individual. If the client is admitted to one of Cornerstone’s Programs they will submit to one monthly laboratory tested and GC-MS (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) certified drug test and a weekly urine dip test. Any testing conducted outside of these parameters will be a direct result of observed behavior changes and any suspicion of drug use by the individual.

Cornerstone is an In-Network treatment provider contracted with most insurance companies. This contractual arrangement sets the rates that each insurance provider will pay for treatment services given at our facilities including cost caps for drug tests.  What this means is Cornerstone has not, will not and does not conduct drug tests as a way to drive up profit.  Drug tests are inclusive in our contract rates.