Behavioral Health Integration
This provider training, held on July 27th, provides an overview of Behavioral Health Integration. We also spend time reviewing three evidence-based models of Integrated Care frequently used in Primary Care.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has released four new practice guides that equip physician practices and health systems with practical strategies for overcoming obstacles to accessible and equitable treatment for patients’ behavioral, mental, and physical health needs. These guides focus on four key areas of effective integrated care: practice workflow design, pharmacological treatment, substance use disorder, and suicide prevention. Additionally, the BHI Compendium, which serves as a tool to help provide a proven pathway for delivering integrated behavioral care, has also been enhanced with additional resources and practice case studies ensuring physician practices and health systems have the most recent, actionable information at their disposal. Access the guides here
"In a sea of bad news about health care costs and poor access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, The Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) is a breath of fresh air. CoCM is an evidence-based psychiatric consultation model with a demonstrated return on investment that works! CoCM supports AMHs by increasing access to psychiatric services, increasing the competency and confidence of primary care to manage mild to moderate mental health and substance use problems. CoCM not only saves money but it improves medical outcomes, helping AMHs help their patients live healthier lives."
Jennie Byrne, MD, PhD
Chief Behavioral Health Officer
CareMore Health
The Collaborative Care Model is an evidence-based integrated care model designed for the treatment of mild to moderate behavioral health issues in the primary care medical home. In November of 2016, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rules covering collaborative care services in their 2017 Medicare Fee Schedule. In September of 2018, North Carolina (PDF) became the second state to adopt these codes into the Medicaid fee schedule.
NC AHEC CoCM Training Series
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has partnered with NC AHEC to provide educational and practice-based support to primary care practices interested in implementing the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) -- a team-based, interdisciplinary approach to deliver evidence-based diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up care for patients with mild to moderate behavioral health needs.
Their CoCM Training Series is comprised of 10 modules which will help to demonstrate how to apply this model to implement this modality. We will measure learner knowledge with an evaluation assessment tool following the completion of the series. Modules will be released on a monthly basis and will provide you with the initial steps to implement CoCM and the tools for ongoing support. Contact hours, CEUs, NASW-NC Contact Hours, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, and NBCC will be offered.
Additional Resources:
American Psychiatric Association: Learn about the Collaborative Care Model
Free CME for Psychiatrists, Primary Care Providers, and BH Care Managers
Cheat Sheet on Bundled Payments for CoCM and other BHI Services