The authors analyzed 1975 data on the use of health and mental health
services by the 2.3 million people covered by Michigan Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. Only 4.6% of the covered population submitted hospital or physician
claims for mental disorder; these people accounted for 7.3% of total
hospital and physician charges for all health services in the covered
population. According to the claims submitted, nonpsychiatric physicians
saw almost half of all patients who were given a diagnosis of mental
disorder, but psychiatrists accounted for the great bulk of mental health
services and charges to these patients. High utilizers comprise a small
proportion of all patients but account for a high proportion of charges for
mental disorders and for all diagnoses.Abstract Teaser