Outpatient Therapy Cuts Hospital Readmissions for Young Patients

Young patients recovering from eating disorders may find renewed hope through outpatient therapy, according to new research from the University of California, San Francisco. This study highlights the potential for outpatient care to significantly decrease hospital readmissions among adolescents who have been hospitalized for eating disorders.

Eating disorders affect more than 5% of young people globally and are associated with one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. The challenges of accessing adequate care are particularly pronounced for adolescents covered by public health insurance. Many of these young individuals experience a troubling cycle of repeated hospitalizations, as they often receive insufficient follow-up care after discharge.

The research team analyzed data from 920 California Medicaid enrollees aged between 7 and 18 years who had been hospitalized due to eating disorders. Their findings revealed that, on average, these patients attended just two outpatient therapy sessions following their hospital stay, with nearly half (45%) receiving no therapy at all. When therapy was provided, it typically came from community-based clinicians rather than specialized clinics.

The results unveiled a striking correlation. Adolescents who participated in eight or more therapy sessions post-hospitalization were found to be 25 times less likely to be readmitted compared to those who attended three or fewer sessions. This underscores the crucial role that even modest amounts of outpatient therapy can play in supporting recovery.

Financial implications of these findings are significant. If California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, could facilitate access to eight or more outpatient sessions for adolescents with eating disorders, it could save more than $7 million annually in rehospitalization costs alone. This is a compelling argument for policy changes aimed at improving access to outpatient resources.

Dr. Megan Mikhail, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral clinical psychology fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the challenges faced by families on Medicaid. “Caregivers are more likely to be single parents with less flexible work schedules and fewer financial resources to cover out-of-pocket expenses,” she stated.

The research suggests that outpatient providers do not need to be specialists in eating disorders to effectively support these young patients. This could pave the way for broader access to care, which is essential for breaking the cycle of repeated hospitalizations.

Dr. Erin Accurso, the study’s senior author, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The findings suggest a modest amount of outpatient therapy from any type of provider can help break the cycle of repeat hospitalizations.”

Published in the journal Pediatrics, this study presents a critical perspective on the intersection of mental health care and public health policy. The implications of improved access to outpatient therapy for young patients recovering from eating disorders could lead to better health outcomes and significant cost savings for healthcare systems. As discussions around mental health continue to evolve, this research serves as a timely reminder of the importance of accessible care for vulnerable populations.