The Role Of Behavioral Health In Effective Value-Based Care

Mental health is a core driver of patient outcomes – and Genuine Health Group integrates it as a key component of value-based care. As the healthcare industry prioritizes quality over volume, we believe that incorporating behavioral health into primary care is essential.

Research consistently shows that behavioral health integration improves clinical outcomes, enhances patient satisfaction, and drives cost efficiency. Recognizing these benefits, many value-based practices embed behavioral health specialists into their primary care settings.¹ By providing patients with timely access to qualified mental health support, these practices improve care coordination and impact population health.

Addressing A Critical Need

In today’s healthcare landscape, patients seek care that considers their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to 75% of primary care visits address mental or behavioral health concerns, such as chronic disease management, substance use, and stress.²

Value-based care models are designed to meet these needs head-on. Integrating behavioral health into primary care allows providers to address issues earlier, coordinate care more effectively, and promote long-term wellness through consistent, team-based support.

More Than Clinical Gains

The benefits of integrated care go beyond individual outcomes. The American Hospital Association (AHA) reports that 70% of adults with behavioral health disorders also live with a medical comorbidity.³ By integrating behavioral healthcare, physicians are better equipped to manage chronic conditions, improve patient well-being, and reduce preventable hospitalizations and readmissions.

The AHA has outlined several key advantages of integrating behavioral health into primary care, many of which are reflected in our value-based partnerships. The advantages include:

1. Improved Workforce Productivity and Provider Satisfaction

According to a 2022 study cited by the AHA, conducted by the University of Michigan’s Behavioral Health Workforce Research Center, integrated care models help stabilize physician workloads and improve efficiency.⁴ These benefits are especially important as practices seek to improve performance without increasing provider burnout.

2. Lower Total Cost of Care

Patients with comorbid behavioral and physical health conditions often generate higher healthcare costs – one study indicated as high as 75%.⁵ Integrated care reduces unnecessary ER visits, improves patient outcomes, and delivers measurable return on investment – key goals in a value-based care strategy.

3. Increased Reimbursement Opportunities

When integrated care models include the proper documentation of behavioral health services, providers can access additional billing and coding opportunities. This improves financial performance and frees up funds to reinvest in care quality.

Why Integration Makes The Difference

Incorporating behavioral health into the primary care setting is key to strengthening the provider-patient relationship. When care teams address mental and physical health together, patients are more engaged, more adherent to treatment plans, and better able to manage their conditions.

Integration also helps eliminate the stigma that still surrounds mental health. By making behavioral health a routine part of care, practices create safe, supportive environments that encourage early intervention and reduce long-term health risks. These shifts are essential to building the high-quality, value-based care patients deserve.

The Path Forward

Integrating behavioral health into primary care is imperative for value-based care. Vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, often face complex physical and emotional health challenges that require comprehensive, team-based solutions.

At Genuine Health Group, we recognize that prioritizing behavioral health alongside physical health leads to better outcomes, lower costs, and better experiences for patients and providers. By supporting integrated care models, we help our provider partners deliver whole-person care that defines success in today’s healthcare environment and prepares them for the future.

References

¹Gonzales, Morgan. “CMS Launches ‘Revolutionary’ New Behavioral Health, Primary Care Integration Model.” Behavioral Health Business, 19 Jan. 2024, https://bhbusiness.com/2024/01/19/cms-launches-revolutionary-new-behavioral-health-primary-care-integration-model/.

²Schrager, Sarina. “Integrating Behavioral Health Into Primary Care.” FPM Journal, May/June 2021, www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2021/0500/p3.html#:~:text=Up%20to%2075%25%20of%20primary,mental%20or%20behavioral%20health%20components.&text=This%20includes%20behavioral%20factors%20related,diet%2C%20and%20exercise%20on%20health.

^3,4,5“3 Ways to Strengthen Physical and Behavioral Health Integration: AHA.” American Hospital Association, 24 Oct. 2023, www.aha.org/aha-center-health-innovation-market-scan/2023-10-24-3-ways-strengthen-physical-and-behavioral-health-integration.