Utilization of medical services after short-term psychiatric therapy in a prepaid health plan setting

Utilization of medical services in Group Health Association of Washington, D.C., was analyzed for patients referred in 1970 for short-term psychiatric therapy under benefits but who had no therapy or referral for at least the 12 preceding months. A matched comparison group and family members were also studied. Medical visits were analyzed in three time periods: the 12 months preceding referral, the next 4 months when therapy was likely to be received, and a final 12 months. Compared with controls, the Index Cases did not show a significant reduction of "offset" in utilization of outpatient medical services after referral, but they did decreases days of medical hospitalization significantly. When Index Cases were divided into low and high users of psychiatric therapy, the former showed a decline, the latter an increase in medical visits, and the difference between them was significant. The before-after change in utilization among other family members was similar to that for index and control subjects. The findings suggest the need to identify the types of patient and the clinical settings which are most likely to maximize the offset effect of brief psychotherapy. Medical care programs should be tailored to meet the different psychotherapy. Medical care programs should be tailored to meet the different psychiatric needs of these and other patients in an effective and efficient manner.