The "Estimating the Cost of Preventive Services in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Under Managed Care" study analyzed the following six services: addiction counseling; prenatal visits for women at risk for alcohol or other drug abuse during pregnancy; smoking-cessation counseling aimed at pregnant women; short-term mental-health therapy; health promotion through self-care education; and pre-surgical education for adults.

According to the study's findings, the average cost per member per month of all six interventions combined was 82 cents, or 0.44 percent of the average premium.

"Since these low-cost interventions have been shown to improve medical outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce medical use and cost, and given that they would require an increase of less than 0.5 percent of the typical current premiums, managed-care companies should consider implementing such behavioral interventions," the study stated.

The study, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, can be obtained by calling 800-789-2647.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.