Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HERC Health Economics Seminar

Association of Follow-Up After an Emergency Department Visit for Mental Illness with Utilization Based Outcomes


by Kimberly Geissler, PhD
Seminar date: 1/15/2020

Description: We examined whether timely follow-up care after an ED visit for mental illness was associated with costs or future hospital use in the subsequent six month period. We find that follow-up care after an ED visit for mental illness is associated with increased costs, increased hospitalizations, and small changes in ED use. Overall rates of follow-up are low and may potentially be associated with increased costs and inpatient stays, suggesting increased connection to the healthcare system. Future research should determine whether this is due to an increase in necessary care. Target Audience Researchers, clinicians and policy makers interested in health economics and health services.



DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript not yet available


Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.