New primary care-based psych codes offer opportunity, challenges in 2017

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand a new Medicare payment direction for integrated behavioral health services and the practical implementation issues that can affect adoption in primary care.

Article Sections

1. Overview of proposed behavioral health integration payment changes

   Introduces the Medicare proposal and the broader context for payment of integrated psychiatric services in primary care settings. It frames why the topic matters for practices considering behavioral health integration.

2. Collaborative Care Model and service structure

   Describes the general structure of the Collaborative Care Model and the roles involved in delivering coordinated behavioral health services. It also addresses how the model is being positioned for future billing use.

3. Billing requirements and episode of care rules

   Summarizes the administrative requirements tied to the proposed Medicare coverage, including patient eligibility, episode timing, initiating visits, and consent-related documentation. It focuses on the overall billing framework rather than detailed coding choices.

4. Implementation considerations and practice readiness

   Reviews operational issues that can affect adoption, such as staffing, resource needs, collaboration with psychiatric partners, and practice workflow. It also places the discussion in the context of primary care and population-based care management.