DEVELOPING A FINANCIALLY VIABLE CONSULTATION-LIAISON SERVICE

As reimbursement for psychiatry changes, general hospital psychiatry d ivisions, specifically consultation-liaison (C-L) services, will take on increasingly important roles. This article shows how a variety of f unding mechanisms have applications in different hospital systems. Alt hough every recommendation does not apply to each hospital, certain im portant contributions that C-L psychiatry can make, such as updating d iagnosis-related group codes and enhancing hospital reimbursement for services appropriately delivered, are reviewed. Specific recommendatio ns that may be helpful in various hospital systems are offered that, i ndividually and in the aggregate, should enhance the position, as well as the financial, research, and clinical base for an effectively mana ged C-L service.