A large, federally funded study focused on reducing opioid overdose deaths highlighted mixed results. Community-focused interventions, including naloxone distribution and increased education, can be effective at reducing overdose deaths that involve an opioid and a psychostimulant other than cocaine, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. However, the same interventions were found to […]
Behavioral health providers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, personalize treatment pathways and produce outcomes. How best to develop an AI-enabled technology stack remains unclear, however. While leasing AI technology from vendors is a relatively easy path to keep up with the digital Joneses, providers with more specialized needs or those looking […]
Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) is enjoying robust behavioral health pricing, driven by negotiations with lower-paying payers. Steve Filton, UHS’s chief financial officer, attributed historically high behavioral health pricing to the company’s ability to leverage higher rates from lower-paying payers, naming managed Medicaid payers specifically on the company’s Q3 earnings call Friday. “In an environment […]
Behavioral health stands apart from other health care specialties, for one, because of a lack of standardized outcome measurements. Without these markers, health plans must evaluate potential provider partnerships through a different lens, developing alternative criteria to ensure high-quality treatment for members and cost savings for the health plans. In this BHB+ TALKS conversation, reporter […]
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are highly effective, and often life-saving treatments, for patients struggling with opioid use. Not all medications are created equal, however. Methadone may help patients stay in treatment for longer compared to buprenorphine and naloxone, according to a new study published in JAMA. “Methadone was associated with a lower risk […]
Lack of transportation is one of the most common barriers to care for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Some providers are surmounting this problem by bringing care directly to patients. Mobile vans are used by both nonprofit and for-profit substance use disorder (SUD) providers to target people who struggle to access treatment through traditional […]
Every story is better with a villain. In the eyes of the federal government, the behavioral health treatment industry’s villain is private equity. At least, that’s the impression of lenders and private equity investors. Despite this view, lenders and PE believe that increased scrutiny on private equity from the Federal Trade Commission and the Department […]
Around 14.5 million young people in the U.S. have ADHD, anxiety or depression, according to the CDC. And rates are only increasing. While multiple treatments are effective at treating these conditions in young people, factors like clinician shortages can keep children from receiving care. Gamification, a strategy that involves adding games or game-like elements to […]
The substance use disorder (SUD) treatment industry was formerly dotted by small, local providers. In the future, these mom-and-pop providers may go the way of cottage businesses during the Industrial Revolution. To be clear, SUD treatment has not yet been completely limited to assembly lines. Small providers still abound. At the recent Behavioral Health Business […]
Acadia Healthcare (Nasdaq: ACHC) is executing its M&A strategy as it seeks to grow its geographic footprint. The largest behavioral health provider in the U.S. announced Tuesday that it acquired three opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in South Carolina, representing the company’s debut in the state’s opioid treatment landscape. “South Carolina is an underserved market with […]