Improving continuity of care: success of a behavioral health program

J Healthc Qual. 2003 Nov-Dec;25(6):4-8; quiz 8-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2003.tb01094.x.

Abstract

This article documents the quality improvement process implemented by HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP) for the behavioral health continuity-of-care measure, Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness. This Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure identifies the percentage of members who receive psychiatric follow-up care after their hospital discharge. Studies indicate that post-hospitalization psychiatric follow-up care is an effective method for reducing hospital readmissions. HIP's mental health services department pursued a number of improvement initiatives with this HEDIS measure. The development of a case management unit proved the most effective intervention as compliance rates for post-hospitalization after-care visits improved and hospital readmittance rates declined. These findings provide valuable resource information for behavioral health providers throughout the United States.

MeSH terms

  • Accreditation
  • Aftercare
  • Behavioral Medicine / standards*
  • Case Management
  • Continuity of Patient Care / standards*
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Health Benefit Plans, Employee / standards
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Managed Care Programs / standards*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Mental Health Services / standards*
  • New York
  • Program Evaluation
  • Total Quality Management / organization & administration*