All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine +1 more·Behavioral Health
Effective date
Sep 1, 2021
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
This HEDIS policy establishes quality measurement requirements for follow-up care after mental health hospitalizations, tracking both 7-day and 30-day post-discharge appointments. Healthcare practices must ensure patients receive outpatient mental health visits within these timeframes to meet quality reporting standards.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and care coordination teams must implement tracking systems to monitor mental health patients discharged from hospitals. Ensure appointments are scheduled within 7 days of discharge (preferred) or within 30 days maximum. Coordinate with hospital discharge planners to pre-schedule appointments before patient discharge. Document all qualifying visits including community mental health center visits, ECT, telephone visits, observation visits, and transitional care management services with mental health providers.