The American Medical Association, in partnership with Manat Health, published a report this week on ways to accelerate the integrated supply of virtual care and other digital devices for behavioral and physical health.
In the report, the organizations noted that behavioral health integration is crucial to address the country’s critical service access needs.
“Demand for behavioral health services is growing and increasing, but there is potential for digital technology to support the integrated supply of physical and behavioral health services,” AMA President Dr. Gerald Harmon said in a statement.
Why is it important?
The organizations called on various working groups to develop a report that stakeholders can come up with to implement a sustainable behavioral health integration model.
“Although it is not panic, the inclusion of technology in BHI care models (ie, digital enabled BHI) such as telecoms and other digital devices could increase efficiency and accelerate BHI acceptance,” the report said.
From digital reception and screening equipment, referral technology, remote patient monitoring software, the report looks at a number of solutions that can add value to BHI support and value on the patient’s journey.
Includes some steps for stakeholders to take:
- Physician practices and health systems It can incorporate evidence-based digital health solutions and enable technology to streamline operations, thereby increasing behavioral health screening and treatment costs.
- Health plans By using the Collaborative Care model and other BHI models, it can expand coverage and equity payments for all stakeholders with margins.
- Federal Policy makers In an effort to increase manpower, the federal fund may increase, such as debt relief and new housing and training programs
- Employers Evaluating how and when cost-sharing will be implemented can reduce out-of-pocket costs for caregivers who need care.
- Private or publicly traded behavioral health companies Collaborate with stakeholders to develop national standards for BHI technologies and generate digital-enabled clinical and economic evidence
“All stakeholders have an important role to play in providing accessible and equitable treatment in primary care that addresses the behavioral and physical health needs of the people,” the report said.
Of course, there are limitations to using technology in BHI, including the need for long-term patient-provider relationships. Lack of strong clinical or economic evidence; Unfair social networking or broadband access; And clinically inappropriate for some patients.
“Digital development-enabled BHI models that involve the use of technology have the potential to accelerate the evolution of BHI adoption and impact;
The biggest trend
Among the CVD-19, behavioral health, especially with the advent of telemedicine – and the increase in patient demand – has emerged as a specialist.
Last September, Dr. James R., founder and chief medical officer of Arey Behavior Care. Health Care IT News Telecommunication therapy helps to bridge the gap between the needs and supply of behavioral health patients.
“Establishing relationships with telepathic clinics can strengthen the support and information providers needed to fully manage their patients’ health,” he said.
On the record
“The AMA is committed to providing accessible and equitable treatment for behavioral and physical health needs, and the effective use of digital health technology in behavioral health integration, in particular [times] Increased psychological distress and depression, ”said Harmon.
Kat Jercich is the editor-in-chief of Helserk IT News.
Twitter @kjercich
Email to kjercich@himss.org
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS media publication.