Integrated Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Implementation

Authored by renowned expert Lori E. Raney, this valuable resource provides a detailed, experience-based guide to successfully implementing an integrated care program. By adopting an integrated care approach, healthcare providers can reap numerous benefits, including improved illness detection, enhanced overall health outcomes, and a better patient care experience.

Unlocking the Advantages of Integrated Care

The integration of behavioral health into general medical settings, or vice versa, offers various advantages from both clinical and administrative perspectives. These benefits include:

• Better detection of illness
• Improvement in overall health outcomes
• A better patient care experience
• Flexibility in responding to policy and financial changes
• An emphasis on return on investment

A Three-Part Examination of Effective Implementation

The book provides a comprehensive, three-part examination of the key components of an implementation strategy, exploring the essential elements for success. The authors draw upon their real-world expertise to offer practical, accessible information and support, covering:

• Leadership perspectives
• Primary care considerations
• Therapist and psychiatric provider insights
• Policy perspectives

Overcoming Implementation Challenges

The authors address common impediments to widespread implementation, including:

• Payment and regulatory barriers
• Lack of a workforce trained in effective collaboration
• Cultural differences between primary care and behavioral health care

By understanding these challenges, healthcare leaders and providers can overcome obstacles and implement a successful, patient-centered integrated care program.

Expert Insights and Practical Guidance

Each chapter author was selected for their direct clinical experience in various integrated environments, their leadership in ushering teams through these initiatives, and/or their deep knowledge of payment and policy barriers. The book provides in-depth coverage of finance and funding models, challenges to billing, and emerging payment models, offering readers expert insights and practical guidance.

With Integrated Care: A Guide for Effective Implementation, healthcare professionals can access the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully integrate care and improve patient outcomes.