The authors present the patterns of utilization of mental health
services of a low-income population in a prepaid group practice setting,
the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP). Over a 6- year period,
utilization rates for psychiatric consultations and mental health services
by Medicaid enrollees rose to equal or exceed utilization by employed
groups. The authors also provide evidence that psychiatric treatment
reduces the use of other physician services, especially X-ray and
laboratory services.
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