학술논문
ADHD treatment in a behavioral health care carve-out: medications, providers, and service utilization.
Document Type
Journal Article
Author
Source
Subject
*TREATMENT of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
*CHILDREN with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
*PSYCHIATRIC epidemiology
*ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder
*CHILD health services
*CHILD psychiatry
*COMPARATIVE studies
*CONTRACTING out
*COST effectiveness
*DUAL diagnosis
*INSURANCE
*MANAGED care programs
*RESEARCH methodology
*MEDICAL cooperation
*MENTAL health services
*RESEARCH
*EVALUATION research
*SEVERITY of illness index
*MENTAL health services administration
*ECONOMICS
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Language
ISSN
1094-3412
Abstract
Children's mental health services are increasingly being managed by managed behavioral health organizations (MBHOs) through carve-outs. Little information is available, however, about services and interventions being received by children whose mental health benefits are carved out. Using claims data, this study explores the treatment of children with a common child psychiatric disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children being treated for ADHD see a variety of provider combinations. Children diagnosed with comorbid mood or anxiety disorders are more likely to see a psychiatrist than a primary care physician or therapist, and they are more likely to be in treatment with both a psychiatrist and a therapist than with just one mental health professional. After controlling for severity indicators, costs were significantly lower for patients being treated by just a psychiatrist than for patients seeing both a psychiatrist and therapist. This finding raises the possibility that attempts to save money by "splitting treatment" may not be cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]