Transforming Care: AHP’s Integration Journey with an Accountable Care Organization
AHP collaborated with the largest independent medical group in MetroWest Massachusetts in 2019, comprising 19 locations and over 500 providers, to provide process improvement services.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential.
CHALLENGE
As part of the Massachusetts Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program, this accountable care organization (ACO) aimed to seamlessly integrate behavioral health into primary care processes. This involved assessing and implementing integration across primary care operations to ensure both staff and clients could access integrated visits and behavioral health services.
SOLUTION
Our approach involved deep listening to understand the client’s objectives, leading to the design of an integration solution, which encompassed assessing, training, and implementing an integration process across the ACO’s primary and behavioral health teams. This solution included developing workflows, documentation, and training materials to establish an integrated primary care behavioral health model.
RESULTS
We successfully facilitated the launch of the ACO’s new, fully integrated Primary Care Behavioral Health Model. This model involved embedding behavioral health care clinicians directly into primary care practices as extended care team members. The transition from a co-located behavioral health team to this integrated model was a significant achievement, leading the ACO to engage AHP further in integrating behavioral health into its pediatric practices.
The ACO’s director of behavioral health praised the integration journey, likening it to “building the plane while flying it.” AHP’s support ensured a smooth flight toward comprehensive integrated care.
Learn More about Transforming Lives by Coordinating Care
Learn More about Transforming Care Coordination: Our Collaborative Approach with a Massachusetts ACO
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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