The Impact of Integrated Care on Patients with Severe Mental Illness: Providing Primary Care within a Community Mental Health Center

Authors

Maria L. Loera Quintanilla PA-C, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Primary Care

Advisor

Tom Colletti

Abstract

This article examined the impact of integrated care on the health of patients with severe mental illness. Integrated care is defined as primary care services embedded within a mental health clinic, sometimes referred to as reverse integration. Patients with severe mental illness struggle with chronic health conditions more than the general population for various reasons and they were explored here. Embedding primary care and screening services help to address the health disparities in this vulnerable population. Screening services help to identify chronic illnesses sooner, provide interventions and prevent long-term consequences as well as reduce mortality.

While integrated care is making significant contributions to the care of severely ill mental health patients, it comes with its challenges. More work is needed in this area to develop a system of billing and sustainability in this complex healthcare system that we have in the United States.

Recommended Citation

Loera Quintanilla ML. The Impact of Integrated Care on Patients with Severe Mental Illness: Providing Primary Care within a Community Mental Health Center. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(2).