Now more than ever, integrating behavioral health into a hospital’s core operations has become critical for not only a patient’s well-being and outcomes, but also the financial stability of the overall hospital.
A Modern Healthcare report notes that patients experiencing chronic comorbidities and serious mental illness incur costs 2-6X higher and face a 25% greater likelihood of preventable hospitalizations compared to patients without.1 Moreover, avoidable emergency department (ED) visits – the current front door to behavioral health care for many patients – cost the U.S health care system an estimated $5.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $17.5 billion by 2040, if left unaddressed.2
This has placed significant pressure on health leaders to find a solution that will combat these rising numbers without expending unnecessary resources or capital.
By prioritizing interventions that actively decrease avoidable ED visits and readmissions hospitals can simultaneously elevate clinical outcomes and achieve long-term financial stability. However, successfully integrating and managing a comprehensive behavioral health program can be complex. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Elevating Hospital Performance: The Partnership Advantage
An increasing number of hospitals and health leaders are seeking out joint venture (JV) or contract management partnerships with trusted experts to help ensure patient needs are met, hospital operations are streamlined, and staff are equipped with the tools and resources needed to provide high quality care.
These types of partnerships offer a efficient approach to maximize the benefits of behavioral health integration without significant capital expenditure or resource strain. In fact, hospitals who rely on a trusted behavioral health partner can expect:
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- Specialized Expertise & Guidance: Access to professionals with deep knowledge in behavioral health integration, program development and best practices.
- Enhanced Clinical Outcomes and Reduced ED Utilization: Improved identification, treatment, and management of patients with behavioral health needs, leading to better overall outcomes and lower readmission risk.
- Improved Patient Satisfaction: High quality, comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health needs leads to higher patient satisfaction scores.
- Financial Stability & Resource Optimization: By addressing patients with both physical in mental needs under one roof, resources and labor costs are reduced and streamlined.
- Compliance & Regulatory Expertise: Guidance on navigating complex regulations and ensuring compliance in behavioral health service delivery are met and reviewed regularly.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: The right partner will be able to offload administrative burdens associated with managing a behavioral health program, allowing hospital staff to focus on other core functions.
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As a leading provider in post-acute services, including behavioral health and inpatient rehabilitation, Lifepoint helps our partner hospitals generate the highest quality care without expending unnecessary resources and capital: a win for both the hospital and the community they serve.
Interested in growing or expanding your post-acute service offerings? Contact us today to learn how Lifepoint can help your hospital address the growing behavioral health population in your community.
References:
- https://www.modernhealthcare.com/care-delivery/integrated-care-action-how-forward-thinking-providers-are-transforming-behavioral
- https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/health-care/economic-burden-mental-health-inequities.html
