American Hospital Association July, 2019
Innovative approaches are improving patient outcomes and lowering health care costs
As trustees consider how to improve the health of the communities they serve, a key fact needs to be top of mind.
Trustee Talking Points
- One in five patients may be experiencing a behavioral as well as physical health problem.
- Behavioral health illnesses can make it harder for providers to treat chronic conditions.
- Behavioral health illnesses also make it harder for patients to comply with treatment protocols.
- Poor outcomes and higher costs can result from inattention to behavioral health issues.
“Even if you think you’re not in the mental health business, you’re in the mental health business,” said Ann Schumacher, president of CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha. “If...