Behavioral Health Urgent Care Models Can ‘Save a Lot of Dollars’ While Helping Patients in Crisis

Behavioral Health Business October 20, 2023
Laura Lovett

The emergency department is often the first point of care for patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis. However, a trip to the ED is expensive for patients and payers and often isn’t the most appropriate place for patients.

New models of behavioral health urgent care have begun to emerge. These models don’t replace EDs but offer an alternative way to stabilize patients and prevent avoidable inpatient behavioral health stays.

“You would never have an idea that you say, ‘Oh, we just opened up a medical urgent care next door to the Walgreens. Therefore, we can close the trauma center,’” Dr. Scott Zeller, VP of acute psychiatry at Vituity, said at Behavioral Health Business’ INVEST. “There are different acuity levels, and...

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