Financing the Primary Care Behavioral Health Model

Abstract

The PCBH model of integrated care blends behavioral health professionals into the primary care team, thereby enhancing the scope of primary care and expanding the range of services provided to the patient. Despite promising evidence in support of the model and a growing number of advocates and practitioners of PCBH integration, current reimbursement policies are not always favorable. As the nation's healthcare system transitions to value-based payment models, new financing strategies are emerging which will further support the viability of PCBH integration. This article provides an overview of the infrastructure necessary to support PCBH practice; reviews the current PCBH funding landscape; discusses how emerging trends in healthcare financing are impacting the model; and provides a vision for the viability of the PCBH model within the value-based financing of our healthcare system in the future.

Keywords: Behavioral health integration; Healthcare financing; Healthcare payment reform; Integrated primary care.