Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health began rolling out 24/7 virtual behavioral health visits in emergency departments across its network of hospitals in March, according to a report from local news station Fox 59.
Due to a statewide shortage of psychiatrists, most rural hospitals and even some nonrural hospitals in IU Health's network cannot offer psychiatric care. With the virtual program in place, IU Health can offer patients psychiatric evaluations where they are, rather than requiring ambulance transportation to another location.
This helps reduce costs for the system and keep patient bills down, according to the report.
The virtual visits involve a 25- to 35-minute interview, after which the psychiatrist can provide a treatment plan for the patient or recommend further services from a social worker or other behavioral health services provider.
IU Health has implemented the program at hospitals in stages, with rollouts continuing over the next two months. Read the full story here.
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