CASE MANAGED MENTAL-HEALTH-CARE IN THE SAN-ANTONIO CATCHMENT-AREA - THE CRISIS-INTERVENTION UNIT

Through the use of government nursing case management, this crisis-foc used inpatient psychiatric program provided cost-effective and therape utically directed services to Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS)-eligible beneficiaries in the San Ant onio catchment area, Using managed care principles and a continuum-bas ed case management model, these services were provided in local contra cted civilian facilities, This acute care mental health program direct ly saved Brooke Army Medical Center 1.1 million mental health dollars and saved 7.7 million CHAMPUS dollars in total cost avoidance. Program costs were minimal, resulting in a 557% return on investment, A joint Army/Air Force endeavor, the program was originally administered by t he Coordinated Care Division, Brooke Army Medical Center as a CHAMPUS recapture initiative, Currently under TRICARE management, the program continues intact as a managed care mental health service alternative.