Developing a financially viable consultation-liaison service

As reimbursement for psychiatry changes, general hospital psychiatry divisions, specifically consultation-liaison (C-L) services, will take on increasingly important roles. This article shows how a variety of funding mechanisms have applications in different hospital systems. Although every recommendation does not apply to each hospital, certain important contributions that C-L psychiatry can make, such as updating diagnosis-related group codes and enhancing hospital reimbursement for services appropriately delivered, are reviewed. Specific recommendations that may be helpful in various hospital systems are offered that, individually and in the aggregate, should enhance the position, as well as the financial, research, and clinical base for an effectively managed C-L service.