5142.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 1:30 PM

Abstract #17261

The diversion effect of the hospital network in the Massachusetts MHBC carve-out

Albert Ma, PhD and Thomas McGuire, PhD. Department of Economics, Boston University, 270 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215

Managed behavioral health care companies, like other managed care organizations, commonly contract with networks of hospitals to provide inpatient care. These networks can have important effects on access, care, and cost. One effect is to "divert" admissions to network providers and away from non-network providers. This paper describes the degree of diversion introduced in the Massachusetts carve-out. Diversion is important because it affects access and care to patients, and is a source of potential bargaining power of the carve-out company in relation to the hospitals.

Learning Objectives: N/A

Keywords: Medicaid, Mental Health System

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA