Behavioral health emergency department visits are projected to increase by 1 million over the next decade, with adult visits expected to grow 12% and pediatric visits projected to rise 7% — outpacing physical health ED growth, according to an Sg2 report shared with Becker’s.
The report analyzed Sg2 forecasting data, CMS limited datasets, Vizient clinical and claims data, Claritas population data and federal workforce research. The forecasts cover the U.S. market from 2025 to 2035 and include adult and pediatric emergency department utilization trends.
Here are four things to know:
- Adults behavioral health patients had an average ED length of stay of nine hours in 2024, compared to four hours for physical health patients. Pediatric behavioral health patients stayed an average of 12.1 hours, versus three hours for physical health patients.
- Adults behavioral health ED patients had a 25% 30-day readmission rate in 2024, compared to 15% for physical health patients. Pediatric behavioral health patients had a 12% readmission rate, versus 9% for physical health patients.
- More than one-third of the U.S. population — about 122 million people — lives in a mental health professional shortage area, according to the report. Additionally, 45% of behavioral health providers are unavailable to treat new Medicare or Medicaid patients.
- The report found Medicaid patients experienced higher rates of repeat ED visits across behavioral health conditions, including anxiety, personality and mood disorders.
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