Integrated Care

Cherokee Health Systems believes in a type of holistic care called Integrated Care. This biopsychosocial approach to health care addresses the whole person by integrating behavioral services into primary care. By combining the best traditions of primary care (adult, family practice, pediatric) and mental health services the integrated health care team is able to treat the whole person - mind and body so all patient needs are met. Behavioral health consultants work within a primary care setting and are involved in on site and timely assessment, brief intervention and consultation with patients. Services include education, behavioral management and treatment for mental health disorders. After meeting with a physician or nurse, a psychologist may assess and treat patients with behavioral concerns and work with the medical provider regarding referral questions and follow-up.

Integrated Care Conference

On April 23^rd and 24^th of 2009, Cherokee Health Systems hosted the second Smoky Mountain Integrated Care Conference on integrated care, funded in part by a SAMHSA grant to disseminate knowledge on integration of behavioral health into primary care. The theme of the conference was The Behaviorally Enhanced Healthcare Home. The concept of a “healthcare home” has been critical in the current national dialogue on enhancing the healthcare delivery system, and by extension, blending behavioral health into primary care to reduce fragmentation and improve quality of care. This conference focused on clinical systems and processes, operations, and financing mechanisms designed to support an integrated behaviorally enhanced healthcare home. The conference provided an opportunity for payers, clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to share their knowledge and perspectives through a series of presentations and interactive panels (click here for agenda). Participants from 44 different organizations and government agencies from 18 states participated in the conference. The conference consisted of dissemination of high quality knowledge about the practice of integrated care, as well as stimulating discussion about critical operational, financial, and policy considerations as organizations strive to integrate behavioral health and primary care.

In October, 2006, Cherokee Health Systems hosted a conference for leaders in the safety net community to discuss the clinical, operational and financial aspects of integrated care.

Click here for more information.

Behavioral Healthcare Tomorrow

Blending Behavioral Health Into Primary Care

CareIntegra

NACHC - Community Health Forum 

National Academy of State Health Policy Report