The author suggests that measuring utilization of benefits for nervous
and mental disorders by using the percent of total benefits paid is
imprecise because even small changes in the much larger portion of benefit
payments that are attributable to nonpsychiatric services can make it
appear that the level of psychiatric utilization has changed. His preferred
measure is a calculation of covered charges attributable to psychiatric
care per each person covered under the plan. The author illustrates his
points by showing that, when properly calculated, psychiatric utilization
under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services is
much lower than that under many other plans.Abstract Teaser