AHA brief describes how to integrate physical, behavioral health

An American Hospital Association brief explains how health systems can integrate physical and behavioral health across the care continuum to improve patient care, reduce costs, increase access to behavioral health services, enhance patient satisfaction and improve workforce productivity and satisfaction. The model entails medical practices embedding behavioral health professionals or behavioral health systems embedding medical professionals. In addition, the model consists of team-based care, encompasses a single treatment plan accounting for mental and physical health and relies on regular screenings to identify, track and treat mental and physical health concerns. The brief includes information about attaining government reimbursement and effective ways to pursue implementation.