Through a survey distributed to all NCQA recognized Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) practices, we assessed the scope of behavioral health services offered. The survey included information on identification of behavioral health conditions, access to behavioral health services, and treatment procedures.
Our goal through this survey was to understand the current status of the clinical, operational, and financial organization of the delivery of behavioral health services within NCQA PCMH practices. In addition, we wanted to better understand PCMH practices’ satisfaction with the current organization and delivery of behavioral health services as well as the identification of obstacles to full integration of these services into primary care practice.
This survey was conducted from June 2010 through October 2010.
This project is complete. Please see below for key findings and publications.
In PCMHs, practice organization and response to behavioral issues seem to be less well-developed than other types of medical care. The results from this survey support further efforts to develop whole-person care in the PCMH, with greater emphasis on access to and coordination of mental health, substance abuse, and health behavior services. Focusing primary care practices on this aspect of whole-person care will benefit from program sponsors’ support and rewarding better integration with behavioral health.
Access the complete manuscripts:
Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Health Behavior Services in Patient-Centered Medical Homes. Kessler R, Miller BF, Kelly M, Graham DG, Kennedy A, Littenberg B, MacLean CD, van Eeghen C, Scholle SH, Tirodkar M, Morton S, Pace WD. J Am Board Fam Med September-October 2014; 27:637-644.
Survey Shows That Fewer Than A Third Of Patient-Centered Medical Home Practices Engage Patients in Quality Improvement. Han E, Hudson Scholle S, Morton S, et al. Health Affairs. 2013;32(2):368-375.
For additional information about this study, please contact:
AAFP National Research Network
1-800-274-2237, x3180
nrn@aafp.org
Rodger Kessler, PhD, ABPP
Senior Scientist
AAFP National Research Network
1-802-847-8268
Rodger.Kessler@vtmednet.org
This study is funded from a grant from Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC).