This indicator includes the hospitalization count and rate of hospitalization per 1,000 individuals estimated to have Drug Use Disorder for any of the following reasons: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Cellulitis, Osteomyelitis, Endocarditis, Soft skin tissue infection, or Viral Hepatitis (B, C, and D) for individuals diagnosed with OUD in the same calendar year.
Analyses were completed by the University of Pittsburgh using data from the PA Health Care Cost Containment Council and in cooperation with PA DOH.
PHC4’s database contains statewide hospital discharge data submitted to PHC4 by Pennsylvania hospitals. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained from the Uniform Claims and Billing Form (UB-82/92/04) data elements. Computer collection edits and validation edits provide opportunity to correct specific errors that may have occurred prior to, during or after submission of data. The ultimate responsibility for data accuracy lies with individual providers.

Treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, also known as drug and alcohol issues, is essential to the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvanians. And, insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder benefits is critical to ensuring consumers can access and afford these services. In many cases, the laws and regulations governing insurance companies require certain services to be covered in certain ways. In order to ensure Pennsylvanians understand what benefits they are guaranteed access to, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department has put together this consumer guide to health insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment in the Commonwealth.