Citation

Cederna-Meko CL, Ellens RE, Burrell KM, Perry DS, Rafiq F. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2016; 41(10): 1133-1143.

Affiliation

Department of Neuro Trauma, Hurley Medical Center.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsw063

PMID

27498983

Abstract

OBJECTIVES : To provide descriptive information on behavioral health (BH) productivity and billing practices within a pediatric primary care setting.

METHODS : This retrospective investigation reviewed 30 months of electronic medical records and financial data.

RESULTS : The percent of BH provider time spent in direct patient care (productivity) was 35.28% overall, with a slightly higher quarterly average (M  =  36.42%; SD  =  6.46%). In the 646.75 hr BH providers spent in the primary care setting, $52,050.00 was charged for BH services delivered ($80.48 hourly average).

CONCLUSIONS : BH productivity and billing within pediatric primary care were suboptimal and likely multifactorially derived. To promote integrated primary care sustainability, the authors recommend three future aims: improve BH productivity, demonstrate the value-added contributions of BH services within primary care, and advocate for BH-supporting health care reform.

© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology.

Language: en