Follow-Up After Hospitalization
One of the best things we can do for a member who has experienced a psychiatric/substance abuse hospitalization is to ensure they have and keep an aftercare appointment with a behavioral health provider—preferably within seven days—but may occur within 30 days of discharge. This important step contributes to aftercare compliance and helps prevent readmissions.
Facilities and outpatient providers play a vital role in helping members receive timely ambulatory follow-up appointments after hospitalization from an acute care setting.
- Facilities: Including these elements in your discharge planning (PDF) can help ensure members receive the services they need
- Outpatient provider: Helping patients receive timely ambulatory follow-up with these tips (PDF) can result in more successful outcomes (includes coding guide)
- Improving care after hospitalization for mental illness: slide deck (PDF)