Case Study
The ROI of Virtual Behavioral Health in the Emergency Department for UnityPoint Health
Allen Hospital partnered with Access TeleCare to add virtual behavioral health consults in response to staffing shortages and rising mental health needs. The initiative reduced behavioral health patient stay by 11.87 hours, cut admission rates by 4%, and saved $1.7M annually in boarding costs—yielding a 281% ROI. ED efficiency and staff morale improved, while patient satisfaction rose. A reorganized ED space, on-site behavioral staff, and virtual support significantly enhanced care delivery and reduced burnout, helping Allen Hospital meet growing demand while improving throughput and outcomes.