Integrated primary care is population-based care that treats all the problems — both physical and mental — that patients often bring to their primary care physician. Mental and physical health providers work as a team to identify and treat the health concerns of patients who may not be able to receive all the help they need from a primary care doctor. This healthcare strategy is considered cost-effective and clinically effective and generally provides high patient satisfaction.
Population-based care is health care that is provided to a population that normally may not have access to certain health services. For example, those who live in poverty are often not able to receive the mental health services that they need because of high costs, a lack of transportation and social stigma. Many of these patients need mental health care but turn to their primary care physician, who may not be able to offer all the help that is needed.
Behavioral health providers are part of the primary care team in integrated primary care. This provides one place for patients to receive help for problems such as substance abuse, psychological problems such as depression, physical ailments, and lifestyle issues. Collaboration between healthcare providers means the problems patients have are more likely to be identified and treated, and that more patients will continue getting the treatment they need.
The integrated primary care approach is considered cost-effective. Patient visits are focused on finding the solutions to problems and less time is spent in the office. Most costly referrals are avoided. Patients receive mental health intervention before problems such as alcoholism spiral out of control and lead to more expensive medical treatment. Patient education is provided that can help patients learn to make better decisions about the health of their children and themselves, preventing later health problems.
Integrated primary care also is shown to be clinically effective. Patients who take part in this kind of healthcare system receive help earlier, receive better care and generally see improvement in their quality of life. With more services available, social stigmas fade and patients are more willing to seek and receive care. This system of health care is effective with all kinds of patients.
Patients who participate in integrated primary care are often more comfortable talking about their health problems, because they feel that providers care about them and that they are important. Patients are more engaged in their own health care. If outside referrals to more specialized mental health services are given, then these patients are more likely to follow through with the referral than are patients who see primary care physicians alone.
