Priority Health encouraging integrated behavioral health care with new provider-based incentives
(Grand Rapids, Mich. – May 24, 2021) Priority Health will now be offering incentives to health care providers who complete staff education related to the Behavioral Health Collaborative Care (BHCC) Model and implement plans for integrating the model into their practice. The BHCC Model is an evidence-based care approach to integrating behavioral health into primary care that is based on a program developed by the University of Washington AIMS Center. This model supports the interaction of behavioral health care managers, primary care physicians, and psychiatric consultants.
Under this model, all patients are evaluated for mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety through the use of an approved screening tool. The insurer noted that the incentive was designed to better engage providers in evaluating their readiness to develop and implement a behavioral health collaborative care program, and ultimately provide members with an improved behavioral health care experience.
“A person’s behavioral health is just as critical to their wellbeing as their physical health, and it is important that we are equipping our provider partners with the tools and resources they need to best capture any patient issues and facilitate the needed support,” said Mike Jasperson, Senior Vice President of Provider Network Strategy at Priority Health. “This model essentially gives providers a road map for addressing mild-to-moderate behavioral health issues that may otherwise go overlooked. Rewarding providers who work towards implementing this type of model is a step in the right direction for ensuring a higher level of behavioral health care.”
To be eligible for this incentive, practices must:
- Be recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home in the program year (Priority Health accepts PCMH designation from several health care accreditation organizations)
- Have at least one behavioral health care manager attend a learning event or training
- Attend at least three out of four quarterly virtual meetings hosted by Priority Health to discuss collaborative care activities, share best practices and discuss barriers to implementation
The increased reimbursement rate for the BHCC incentives applies to all Priority Health members.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.