An Economic Evaluation of Primary Care Behavioral Health in Pediatrics: A Case Study

<p>A barrier cited by primary care administrators in integrating behavioral health is financial risk. Fee-for-service billing mechanisms remain complex and there is little empirical guidance on cost-effective models. This study was an economic evaluation of an integrated care model in a pediatric private practice clinic. The study evaluated cost benefits by examining specific delivery indices such as concerns presented, time spent, billing codes used, and reimbursement received in regards to pediatric primary care visits by comparing days when an on-site Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) was available versus Non-BHC Days. All 3 hypotheses were supported: 1) more patients were seen in clinic on BHC Days; 2) more revenue was generated on BHC Days; and 3) incorporation of the BHC was cost-effective. Findings showed that time saved by having a BHC onsite increased provider productivity, resulting in an additional $1,142 in revenue generated on a BHC Day when compared to a Non-BHC Day.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Gouge, Natasha B

• primary care behavioral health
• economics
• pediatrics
• cost effectiveness
• sustainability
• Psychology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1209

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2370