Every week, judges, solicitors, defense attorneys and probation officers in Charleston County look for the same thing: a treatment provider who will take a referral quickly, keep the patient engaged and report back reliably. Hope Health Network was built with that pathway in mind. Here is how a court-involved referral moves from the courtroom to a first appointment.
One phone call starts the referral
Court officers, case managers and attorneys call our referral line and ask for intake. Because our four practices share one location on Gardner Road in West Ashley, we route the referral internally: medication-assisted treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorder goes to Hope Addiction Medicine, psychiatric medication management and counseling to Hope Behavioral Medicine, and primary care to Hope Medical Associates. The referring party does not need to decide which practice is right.
Fast first appointments
Court-referred patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of the referral. For individuals with a known release or sentencing date, we can schedule the first appointment in advance so care begins immediately. Walk-ins are welcome for established patients at Hope Addiction Medicine.
Compliance reporting
With the patient's written consent, we provide attendance and compliance reporting to drug court coordinators, probation officers and other court personnel on the schedule the program requires. Reports are factual and timely. Information about substance use treatment is protected under 42 CFR Part 2 in addition to HIPAA, so consent is documented before anything is shared.
Coordination that lasts beyond the court order
Court involvement often ends before treatment should. Because the same network provides primary care and behavioral medicine, patients can continue care for blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, depression or sleep problems with providers who already know their history. That continuity is what keeps people out of the system the second time.
Insurance and self-pay
We accept Medicare, most major commercial plans and all South Carolina Medicaid managed care plans except Select Health, and self-pay rates are available for individuals without coverage. Our staff can help eligible patients apply for coverage through SC Healthy Connections.
How to refer
Call our referral line during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, or fax referral documentation. Include the individual's name, date of birth, contact information, the referring program and any reporting requirements, and we will typically confirm the first appointment within two business days.