Low Follow-Up After Behavioral ED Care - Takeaways - MDSpire

Low Follow-Up After Behavioral ED Care

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • May 5, 2026

  • 5 min

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  • 1

    Fewer than 15% of Medicaid ED visits for mental health conditions had condition-concordant primary care follow-up within 30 days.

  • 2

    Non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries had the lowest follow-up rates compared to other racial groups, with disparities observed across various demographics.

  • 3

    Higher comorbidity burden was consistently linked to greater follow-up rates, indicating better primary care connections for complex patients.

  • 4

    Rural residence affected follow-up differently based on condition, showing higher rates for mental health visits but lower for alcohol use disorder.

  • 5

    The study highlights ongoing challenges in achieving continuity of care despite Washington's integrated managed care model for behavioral health.

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