List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Jun-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The recession and natural disasters around the country have increased the number of patients with anxiety, depression and substance abuse problems. Meanwhile, budget cuts and the longstanding split in funding for psych patients who also have medical problems mean there are fewer psychiatric beds in hospitals. As a result, psychiatric patients are crowding emergency departments and hospitals are struggling to find the best and cost-effective ways to treat these patients. We sought facilities around the country that are using innovative ways to treat this population. Solutions included pooling Medicaid dollars, fast-tracking evaluations, integrating treatment, aggressive case management and offering non-medical forms of assistance.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
This story used the Parity Act, survey data from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, survey data from the American Hospital Association and information from the AHA’s Section on Psychiatric and Substance-Abuse Service. This research provided the framework for the story by presenting the facts behind mental health care.
Explain types of human sources used.
The reporter spoke with several psychiatric/mental health services directors, industry experts, an attorney, a hospital board member and a psychologist. These sources were used to explain the problem in human terms.
Results:
None.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
This topic requires a thorough understanding of psychiatric care reimbursement issues and the Parity Act. This is a story that can’t just be told by anecdotes–it needs data to ground the issue and demonstrate hospitals’ struggles.