Reversal of fortune. After years of scaling back beds because of low occupancy rates, behavioral health facilities are beginning to make a comeback.
For decades states have been cutting behavioral health beds because of low occupancy. But a recent survey showed occupancy rates at these hospitals at record highs, and analysts expect more consolidation as larger providers expand. A change in federal payment methods favors free-standing facilities. "The free-standing units will do better as a group," says the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems' Mark Covall.
Mantone
Joseph
J
D000368:Aged; D001509:Bed Occupancy; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000191:economics*; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006278:Medicare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011445:Prospective Payment System / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States