Meta-analysis of 58 controlled studies and analysis of the claims files
for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employees Plan for 1974-1978
provide mutually supporting evidence of the cost-offset effects of
outpatient mental health treatment. These two complementary resources
provide a powerful tool for investigating the nature of associations
between mental health services and subsequent reductions in the use of
other medical services. The authors found that the reductions in use of
medical services are associated with inpatient rather than with outpatient
utilization and tend to be larger for persons over 55 years of age.
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