Behavioral Health; Residential (Hospital Residential Treatment Program), Without Room and Board, Per Diem (H0017)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Residential Behavioral Health Treatment, Inpatient Behavioral Health Care
• Technical Terms: Hospital Residential Treatment Program (without room and board), HCPCS H0017

Summary

The residential behavioral health treatment program is an inpatient service designed to provide intensive, structured treatment for individuals facing significant psychological or behavioral health issues. Unlike other inpatient services, this program does not include room and board.

Purpose

• Conditions Addressed: Severe anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and other severe mental health issues.
• Goals/Outcomes: To stabilize the patient's condition, provide intensive therapeutic support, and develop coping strategies. The expected outcome is an improvement in mental health and functioning.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Persistent mental health crises, severe emotional distress, inability to function in daily life, or substance dependence that cannot be managed at home.
• Patient Criteria: Patients needing intensive supervision and treatment but who do not require hospital admission for medical conditions.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may need to inform their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, recent health changes, and personal or family mental health history.
• Diagnostic Tests: Psychological assessments, medical history evaluations, and sometimes blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step:
  1. Initial Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation by mental health professionals.
  2. Treatment Planning: Development of an individualized treatment plan that may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and life skills training.
  3. Therapies: Regular sessions with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health practitioners.
  4. Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of progress and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.
• Tools/Equipment: Therapy rooms, recreational areas, medical examination rooms.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

• Typical Duration: The program typically runs on a daily basis (per diem) and can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient's progress and needs.

Setting

• Location: An inpatient setting within a hospital or a specialized residential treatment facility.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, licensed clinical social workers, therapists, and support staff.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Emotional discomfort during therapy sessions, initial increase in symptoms due to intense focus on difficult issues.
• Rare Risks: Adverse reactions to medications, if prescribed. Possible issues with inpatient treatment like disruptions to daily life commitments.

Benefits

• Benefits: Improved mental health, better coping strategies, decreased symptoms of mental illness, and enhanced overall quality of life.
• Realization Time: Benefits can often be seen within a few weeks, but significant improvement may take a few months.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Follow-up outpatient therapy, continued medication management if applicable, regular mental health check-ups.
• Recovery Time: Varies widely; patients may be able to resume normal activities as symptoms decrease and coping skills improve.
• Restrictions/Follow-ups: Adherence to post-discharge therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly participation in support groups.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Outpatient therapy, partial hospitalization programs, day treatment programs, medication management without inpatient care.
• Pros and Cons: Outpatient therapy offers more flexibility but may not provide the same level of support. Other intensive programs might not provide the same continuity of care and daily oversight.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients may feel emotions such as anxiety or relief as they address their issues. The environment is structured and therapeutic but can be challenging.
• After the Procedure: Patients might experience a mix of relief and ongoing emotional work as they transition to less intensive forms of care. Comfort measures include therapy, relaxation techniques, and built-in support systems for managing stress. Pain is generally not associated with this type of treatment.