Summary
In this retrospective, observational study, authors aimed to examine the rate of follow-up visits among patients with behavioral health conditions and to assess the impact of this visit on the subsequent rate of readmission. They analyzed data from 1,905 low-income uninsured adults with behavioral health conditions enrolled in a health care coverage program implemented by a California County from 2012 to 2013. Administrative encounter and eligibility data and two logistic regression models were used to predict the (1) likelihood of a timely follow-up outpatient visit and (2) likelihood of a readmission given a timely outpatient visit. The outcomes were to calculate the marginal effects of an outpatient visit within 15 days and a readmission within 30 days of the index admission.
Findings:
- The 15-day follow-up visit rate was 42% and readmission rate was 13%.
- Higher severity of illness and prior visits to providers increased the probability of a follow-up visit within 15 days.
- Follow-up visits and a shorter index admission also reduced the risk of 30-day readmissions.
Authors conclude the findings provide evidence that timely linking of behavioral health patients to outpatient care after hospitalization is an effective care transition strategy, as it is likely to reduce readmission rates.
Publication Authors:
- Nadereh Pourat, PhD
- Xiao Chen, PhD
- Shang-Hua Wu, MS
- Anna C. Davis