In a recent study by RTI International, researchers found that patients were much more likely to visit out-of-network behavioral health clinicians compared to medical/surgical clinicians in 2021. In fact, for certain behavioral health visits, patients were up to 20 times more likely to choose an out-of-network provider. For example, they were 8.9 times more likely to see a psychiatrist, 10.6 times more likely to see a psychologist, and 6.2 times more likely for acute behavioral inpatient care and 19.9 times more likely for sub-acute behavioral inpatient care.
The study also revealed that reimbursement rates for in-network office visits to behavioral clinicians were lower compared to medical/surgical clinicians, which may have created disincentives for providers to participate in-network. The authors of the study recommended that health plans and states consider increasing reimbursement rates to attract more behavioral health providers to their networks. Additionally, they suggested evaluating reimbursement disparities as a way of addressing parity violations and expanding access to mental health services.
Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of improving access to behavioral health services by addressing reimbursement discrepancies and expanding network options for patients seeking mental health care.
In conclusion, a new study by RTI International has revealed that patients are more likely out-of-network when it comes to visiting behavioral health clinicians compared to medical/surgical clinicians in 2021. The study also highlighted the need for higher reimbursement rates for in-network office visits from both health plans and states in order attract more behavioral healthcare providers into their networks. By doing so, we can ensure that patients have greater access to mental health care services without facing financial burdens or limited options within their networks.
It is important that we prioritize this issue as it not only affects individuals but also families and communities as well. We must work together towards creating a healthcare system where everyone has equal access and affordable options regardless of their location or financial situation.