Which HEDIS measure tracks follow-up care after hospitalization for mental health issues?

The Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness measure is specifically designed to assess the effectiveness of follow-up care for patients who have been discharged from a mental health hospital. This measure evaluates whether patients receive appropriate follow-up within a specified timeframe after hospitalization, which is critical for ensuring continuity of care and reducing the likelihood of readmission.

This measure is significant because timely follow-up can help address ongoing mental health issues and facilitate recovery, ultimately improving patient outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing support after an episode of acute care, recognizing that mental health conditions often require careful management and follow-up to prevent deterioration.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of mental health care. The Adolescent Depression Screening measure relates specifically to the screening of depression in adolescents, while the Comprehensive Mental Health Care measure looks at broader aspects of mental health service delivery. The Behavioral Health Utilization measure monitors the utilization patterns of various behavioral health services without centering specifically on post-hospitalization follow-up care.