Practice Patterns in Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: A National Survey.
SHAW, RICHARD J. M.B., B.S.; WAMBOLDT, MARIANNE M.D.; BURSCH, BRENDA PH.D.; STUBER, MARGARET M.D.
[Report] Psychosomatics. 47(1):43-49, January/February 2006.

(Format: HTML, PDF)

The purpose of this survey was to describe the current status of pediatric consultation-liaison (C-L) services in the United States. A total of 144 pediatric C-L programs were surveyed, with a response rate of 33%. Financial and staffing constraints were cited as common problems; 61% of programs reported an increase in consultation requests over the past 5 years, however, 30% of services reported a decrease in funding. Collection rates for professional billings average 30%; 57% of services reported an increase in clinical service demands at the expense of teaching and liaison activities. Discussion includes recommendations based on the results of the survey.

Copyright (C) 2006 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine