Value-Based Payment Linked To More Outpatient Mental Health Visits & Fewer ED Visits

After New York state implemented value-based payment (VBP) reform for behavioral health services in 2015, state Medicaid beneficiaries had more outpatient visits and fewer emergency department (ED) visits. The number of outpatient visits for those diagnosed with depression increased by 0.91 visits per year, and increased by 1.01 visits per year for those with bipolar disorder. ED visits per year declined by 0.01 visits among those with depression, 0.02 visits among those with bipolar disorder, and 0.04 visits among those with schizophrenia.

The state’s VBP reform was part of its Medicaid Delivery System . . .