Build It & They Will Come—How Not To Succeed With Integrated Services

Before, during, and likely after the pandemic, payers and health plans continue to push for integrated approaches to consumer care coordination and service delivery. The push is based on the assumption—now confirmed—that these integrated approaches result in better health outcomes and lower use of acute care resources. Integrated medical and behavioral health programs are known to save between 9% and 17% of the excess costs incurred by individuals with comorbid physical and behavioral health conditions, totaling $37.6 billion to $67.8 billion across the United States (see How Do Individuals With Behavioral Health Conditions Contribute To Physical . . .