This article has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, who has over 30 years’ experience helping individuals overcome various forms of addiction. Rehabs UK is a leading authority in addiction treatment and recovery and offers a range of connected services and support including detox and rehabilitation programmes as well as therapy.

Patient brokering, also known as body brokering, has become a pervasive issue within the addiction treatment industry. According to recent reports on Ethical Issues in Patient Data Ownership, the practice has led to significant exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly in the US, where laws like the Patient Brokering Act aim to curb these unethical activities. In the UK, increasing awareness is essential to combat similar problems and ensure patients receive genuine care.

The term patient brokering is not commonly used in the UK; instead, it often falls under the term referral, which is a common practice across many healthcare sectors. This typically involves fees, which are not paid by the client but between the treatment provider and the referrer. Referral fees are a standard practice for many rehab facilities, as well as triage services that are often classified as referral companies. Like with most industries there are brokers who are out for their own gain and others such as Rehabs UK who receive referral fees but re-invest these fees into services such as, aftercare, free groups, recovery coaching and supporting smaller independent rehabs or treatment providers. This article aims to shine light on what to look out for when working with a potential patient broker or referral service.

What Is Patient Brokering?

Patient brokering involves third-party entities profiting by directing individuals to specific treatment facilities, sometimes without regard for their wellbeing. This practice is illegal in the US under the Patient Brokering Act, but its legal status in the UK remains less defined. Public awareness of the issue is low, creating challenges for legitimate providers trying to rebuild trust and support patients effectively.

Brokers exist in all industries and this simply means that a company or person is gaining fees for referring an individual to a service. For example, using a compare website is going to give the most options for the individual to get the best rate they want for a service, however by doing that when the individual has chosen a service the comparison website will get a % in commission. By providing options and remaining competitive, consumers or clients are more likely to receive a fully informed service rather than being limited to a single choice.

At Rehabs UK our highly trained treatment advisors provide a range of impartial options tailored to each individual and not determined by a single treatment supplier. The sign of a good broker which is highlighted later in the article is one that discusses in depth the requirements of the individual and offers a range of options that take into consideration factors such as cost, duration or type of treatment. It is key to understand that not all patient brokers will do this and some may only provide treatments that offer them the highest commission.

How Unethical Patient Brokering Works

Unethical Patient brokering which can happen via a rehab facility or referral company typically follows this process:

1. Targeting Vulnerable Individuals: Brokers seek out individuals struggling with addiction, often through social media or support groups. Practices may also include sending your information to a variety of treatment providers without your knowledge or consent.
2. False Promises: They offer free treatment, incentives, or fast-track admissions to lure individuals in.
3. Referrals for Profit: Brokers then refer patients to treatment centres, receiving kickbacks or commissions regardless of whether the facility suits the patient's needs.
4. Subpar Care or Neglect: Patients are often placed in facilities prioritising profit over care quality, increasing their risk of relapse or further harm.

How ethical Patient Brokering Works

Ethical patient brokering typically follows this process:

1. Treatment advisors or Admission Coordinators pick up inquiries - This is usually either from a referral, someone filling out a contact form, or an individual calling directly. This could be the person suffering from the addiction or family or friends seeking help for a loved one.
2. The individual seeking help and guidance will be offered a free assessment to establish the needs of the client. The team will then let the client know all the treatment options that are available and talk them through them in detail. At Rehabs UK this could be anything from residential or outpatient rehab, home detoxing, therapy or intervention. It is very rare that only one option of treatment will be available unless the situation is specifically complex and solutions are limited. It can be a red flag if only one option is offered.
3. The client will choose which options they would like to explore and then the referral happens between the company and the rehab or person providing the treatment. Numerous conversations may take place between the individual and the treatment provider to ensure they are fully informed and happy to go ahead. Once the client decides to go ahead both parties will receive a fee.
4. The client will receive top-quality care from the most suitable place that has the best interest in the individual's specific needs.

Scott Ardley, Senior Treatment Advisor, states: "We always recommend that when a client speaks to a facility or treatment provider, they also ask about the company's experience with the referral service that connected them. This can help identify whether the broker or referral service is reputable."

How to Identify and Avoid Unethical Patient Brokering

To protect yourself or a loved one from unethical patient brokering, watch out for these red flags:

• Incentives: Offers of free travel, accommodation, or gifts in exchange for attending a particular rehab facility.
• High-Pressure Tactics: Urgent demands to make quick treatment decisions unless the situation requires it. Another sign is that you may receive multiple phone calls or contacts from providers that you were not expecting.
• Lack of Transparency: Unclear information about treatment plans, costs, or credentials.
• No Medical Evaluation: Referrals made without a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition.
• Unverified Providers: Facilities with no accreditation or poor reviews.

Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK states: Addiction treatment is complex. When people are in a desperate, vulnerable state, they may struggle to distinguish between a salesperson trying to sell them a rehab bed and a reputable broker doing the same — especially if their intentions aren’t entirely genuine. In such cases, clients may not receive the best advice. At best, this reduces their chances of recovery; at worst, it could be dangerous. The priority for any first responder should always be the client’s best interests — not filling beds or earning commission."

“It’s key to remember that the healthcare industry is vast and there is a lot of money involved in it. Therefore, it stands to reason that some corporate companies and private investors are running these rehabs or referral companies for investment purposes first and foremost.”

Reporting Patient Brokering

In the UK, you can report suspected illegitimate patient brokering to regulatory bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or contact local law enforcement. Additionally, charities and advocacy groups like Alcohol Change UK can provide guidance.

Contact information to report unethical patient brokering:

What Is Being Done to Protect Patients?

Efforts to address patient brokering include:

• Legislation: In the US, the Patient Brokering Act penalises those engaging in these practices. Similar laws could be developed in the UK to strengthen regulations. There have been several concerns regarding patient brokering to the UK government and is an ongoing topic of debate. However, with robust regulation, patient brokering can have positive effects, providing individuals with more choices and creating a level playing field in an industry often dominated by monopolies.
• Industry Standards: Organisations like the CQC enforce strict quality standards for treatment providers.
• Increased Awareness: Campaigns by charities and healthcare advocates aim to educate the public on spotting unethical practices.

Experts agree that more needs to be done, including stricter laws, better education for healthcare professionals, and support for whistle-blowers.

Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK:

“In my opinion, the word patient broker or referrals company has been given very negative connotations, and maybe in some cases deservedly so. But this narrative is mostly being pushed by bigger corporate rehabs, who are lobbying the public and government in order to build their monopolies.

Without the referral companies competing on Google, the smaller more independent rehabs wouldn’t stand a chance and no new projects would be able to start unless owned by one of the giants.

I don’t just think referral companies should be regulated but also rehab sales and admissions teams should be held to a standard that makes sure people are given a choice of all the treatments available to them, not just what their organisation has to offer. (Rehabs pay bonuses to in-house sales teams)

This is why I believe it’s better to have good referral companies triage people into the best treatment the country has to offer them. At Rehabs UK we have a self-regulating impartial system that allows us to offer treatment options based on clients' needs and not on commission!”

Signs of a Trusted Provider

To ensure you’re working with a legitimate provider, look for the following:

• Accreditation: Verified by recognised bodies such as the CQC or an equivalent organisation, or a company that transparently outlines its self-regulation process.
• Transparency: Clear, upfront information about treatment options, costs, and staff credentials.
• Personalised Care: Tailored treatment plans based on thorough assessments.
• Reputation: Positive reviews and testimonials from former patients.
• Ethical Practices: No incentives or high-pressure sales tactics.

Morse says: "In my opinion, some rehabs are run primarily to help people and then focus on making money, while others operate as businesses first and aim to help people along the way. Both can offer good facilities, but will a rehab truly give you a choice? There are countless options—different facilities, price points, methodologies, and locations. What matters most to me is that clients are presented with all their available options so they can make the best choice, ultimately increasing their chances of safe and successful treatment."

Rehabs UK is originally a sister company to a previously CQC-registered rehab and this sets us apart from other referral companies. We have first-hand experience of treatment as we had our own independent rehab for 22 years unlike other referral companies who may not have this insight, which is vital and in the interest of clients.

Rehabs UK isn't currently CQC registered due to our previous rehab closing its doors, however, the rehabs we work with are CQC registered and the services we provide such as therapy are conducted by fully qualified therapists and professionals who are up-to-date with all relevant regulations and standards of practice.

East Coast Recovery initially operated mainly as a statutory, government-funded facility. However, due to significant funding cuts, it had to transition into the private sector to continue providing services.

Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK states: “When I set up East Coast Recovery my first focus was on helping people and doing the right thing for clients. I wasn’t necessarily good at business and making money, we find that is common with the more caring facilities, if it wasn’t for partnering with certain good referral companies, I wouldn’t have been able to start the rehab! At one point I was 90% surviving on referrals.

Rehabs are expensive to run, the more you have to meet regulations, employ more and more staff, support workers, doctors, nurses, therapists, cleaners, chefs – around the clock care. The more money you need, the more clients you need! Not necessarily a bad thing, just a fact of life!”

Get in Touch with Rehabs UK Today

If you’re concerned about finding trustworthy addiction treatment, speaking to Rehabs UK is the best first step. We prioritise patient welfare and provide personalised advice to ensure you receive ethical, high-quality care. Contact our friendly team today!