SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Addresses Behavioral Health Shortage with Telemedicine
The Problem
Missouri has a serious healthcare problem – a massive behavioral health provider shortfall. The demand for behavioral health services is overwhelming across the country, and it’s particularly acute in Missouri, where approximately only 200 of the state’s 1,000 licensed psychiatrists actually reside in the state to serve a population of about 6 million.
Proposal
Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital recognized the urgent need to expand its psychiatric capacity through virtual behavioral healthcare. After evaluating several options, the hospital chose Iris Telehealth for its dedicated psychiatric support and willingness to grow alongside the hospital in a true partnership.
Meeting the Challenge
The hospital built its telemedicine program around its existing Epic EHR platform, connecting patients with Iris Telehealth psychiatrists through Epic’s integrated video platform. The hospital’s team handles everything from registration and insurance authorization to patient readiness assessment before each visit. The comprehensive care team, including PhD psychologists, counselors, and nurse navigators, follows through on the psychiatrist’s treatment directives, providing ongoing therapeutic support.
Results
Behavioral health virtual care has delivered significant improvements across several key metrics. The hospital has tripled its psychiatric activity volume, dramatically increasing access to care. The percentage of new patients scheduled within 14 days has jumped from 14% to more than 60%, and the no-show and same-day cancellation rate has decreased from 21% to just 7%.
Advice for Others
For organizations considering telemedicine for behavioral health, it’s essential to approach it as a relationship-building opportunity rather than just a technological implementation or contractual arrangement. Find vendors that understand one’s specific needs and are willing to grow alongside the healthcare organization. Building a successful behavioral health program requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on creating robust wraparound services that support both providers and patients throughout the care journey.
Conclusion
Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has successfully addressed the behavioral health provider shortage in Missouri by implementing telemedicine services through Iris Telehealth. The hospital’s comprehensive approach, including wraparound services and integrated care, has delivered significant improvements in access to care, patient engagement, and treatment outcomes.
FAQs
Q: What is the key to a successful behavioral health telemedicine program?
A: Building a strong relationship with your telemedicine vendor and focusing on comprehensive wraparound services that support both providers and patients throughout the care journey.
Q: How did SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital improve its behavioral health services?
A: By implementing telemedicine services through Iris Telehealth, the hospital was able to increase access to care, reduce wait times, and improve patient outcomes.
Q: What were the key challenges faced by the hospital in addressing the behavioral health provider shortage?
A: The hospital faced a significant shortage of licensed psychiatrists in the state, resulting in long wait times and overwhelmed emergency departments.
