Do we need behavioral health integration?
Mental health disorders are becoming a serious concern. More and more people continue to experience mental disorders like anxiety and depression – a recent study by WHO placed depression among the leading causes of disability.
One in every five Americans suffers from depression in the United States alone. The increase in mental disorders has been attributed to the Covid19 pandemic, as many people struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, fear, etc.
These mental issues are deemed behavioral health. And researchers now believe that integrating behavioral health care with primary care can lead to better outcomes among millions of patients with mental or behavioral issues.
Learn about the benefits of behavioral health integration in this guide.
What is Behavioral Health Integration (BHI)?
Behavioral Health Integration is simply a monthly service offered to healthcare. The program includes patient assessment and monitoring, revising care plans for patients that aren’t improving, and assigning a dedicated team to care for a patient.
It’s worth noting that this model does not include consultation with a psychiatric or behavioral care manager. But these professionals may be added if need be.
Behavioral Health Integration aims to integrate behavioral care with primary care to care for a patient’s mental and physical health.
The Benefits of Behavioral Health Integration
Behavioral Health Integration offers various benefits both to patients and healthcare providers. Let’s look at the advantages each group gets from Behavioral Health Integration.
Patients
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Convenience
Although many people suffer from mental disorders, this area carries a lot of stigmatization. It is why many patients refrain from seeking help even if they are in dire need. BHI allows healthcare providers and physicians to work together, usually in the same work setting. As such, patients can enjoy convenience since all their healthcare needs are taken care of in one room.
Whether dealing with stress, substance abuse, or a chronic condition, one can visit a single facility, and all their issues will be addressed. As such, more mental health patients will come out to seek treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable in.
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Improvement of Chronic Condition
Behavioral health affects physical health, and vice versa is also true. These conditions act as a driver for each other. So, a person with a behavioral health condition is at a high risk of a chronic disorder, and vice versa is also true.
Research links many chronic conditions to lifestyle factors, including behavioral health issues. BHI helps to address behavioral health concerns. As a result, patients can manage and treat their chronic conditions easily. But, it helps to have a Chronic Care Management program to work along BHI to provide optimal value.
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Spend Less on Healthcare
Healthcare is very expensive. In fact, it’s almost impossible to survive without insurance. But integrating physical healthcare and behavioral care can help lower the costs.
A 2019 study evaluated the integration of a licensed psychologist into primary care practice. The results revealed that this integration saved patients $860.16 annually. These savings were attributed mainly to fewer hospitalizations.
Providers
Healthcare providers can also benefit from implementing BHI into their practice. Here are some perks they can enjoy:
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Added Expertise
Physicians and non-physicians are not experts at handling behavioral health. BHI brings behavioral health experts on board. As a result, it reduces overburdening of the medical team. These experts can take care of problems clinicians don’t have time to address.
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Financial Gains
As mentioned earlier, BHI programs can be used together with other Medicare programs. Providers that offer BHI services receive a reimbursement of $48 per patient every month for 20 minutes of care management. This program allows a doctor to generate between $6500 and $7000 monthly.
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Facilitates Easy Transition to Patient Care Model
BHI allows practitioners to meet patients where they are. As such, it can build stronger relationships. These relationships are essential when creating a patient-centered care plan that will prioritize a patient’s health needs and desires.
The plan allows care teams to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that caters to the patient’s mental and social needs. Patients become active in their treatment and decision-making, simplifying providers’ work.
Barriers to Behavioral Health Integration
Although Behavioral Health Integration benefits both patients and medical experts, it faces several barriers. For instance, the cultural differences between behavioral and non-behavioral health providers are a huge obstacle. These two professionals are used to working differently. For example, behavioral experts usually have longer appointments and aim at long-term patient relationships.
Final Thoughts
Behavioral Health Integration is a great resource to add to your medical practice. Just make sure you have the right system to manage this program on your behalf. If well implemented, you can expect financial gains while caring for the patients as best as possible.
