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Health care payments continue to evolve and shift away from fee‐for‐service payment systems that typically reward volume and move to value‐based payment (VBP) models that incentivize high‐quality, cost‐effective care. While this is happening more for physical health services, there's more uncertainty about the role of behavioral health. A new white paper aims to tackle that question with information about existing models that have been implemented along with recommendations for federal and state policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a white paper issued by Beacon Health Options "Confronting the Crisis of Opioid Addication" calling for a focus on outpatient medication-assisted treatment by primary care. Topics discussed include its focus on the need to treat opioid addiction as chronic condition, its criticism of providers of detox who did not participate in the continuum of care needed for chronic conditions and its support for 10 levels of care of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

The article focuses on a report released by the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness which highlights role of member behavioral health organizations (BHOs) in treatment of individuals with opioid use disorders. It mentions that the report was made by behavioral health professionals including Sharon Reif, Peter Kreiner and Ruslan Nikitin. The report reflects on the need of including licensed alcohol or drug counselors to substance use disorder (SUD) network for improved treatment.

Observing a way to provide support to help patients experiencing depression, anxiety and burnout, an online mental health provider is working with insurers, such as Cigna, to provide its members with smartphone‐based treatment and access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists. Meru Health's digital therapeutic program provides remote clinician support, cognitive behavioral therapy and evidence‐based care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government and private funding both are playing a prominent role in growth of the substance use treatment industry, with progress into new geographic areas and expanded lines of business. Recent activity ranges from substantial state grant support for new facility construction in California to expansions into mental health by some prominent names in addiction services nationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Treat First model of care program led by the New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division for clinical practice improvement. Topics discussed include reactions of medical service provider on proposed cuts in Medicaid payment rates and fragmented service system, assessment related to patient's paper work and views of program coordinator Betty A. Downes on the same.

Access to physicians in all health care categories poses a problem for Medicaid beneficiaries, but a research letter published this month highlights the disproportionate challenge in identifying psychiatric services for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on significance of educating health care providers on trauma-informed care. Topics discussed include integration of trauma-informed approaches into primary care practices; core domains of trauma-informed primary care, as well as identifying, outlining; and the views of Karen Johnson, director of trauma-informed services for the National Council, on change package content development activities.

The article focuses how mental health advocates are building a momentum urging consumers and families to speak up against the U.S. Congress who is taking legislative action on repealing the U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA) by letting them know how important the reform is for them.

The article offers information on a new alternative payment model (APM) called Patient-Centered Opioid Addiction Treatment (P-COAT) proposed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the American Medical Association (AMA) for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUDs). Topics include the use of evaluation and management (E/M) codes among physicians, opioid treatment programs (OTPs), and comments from Shawn Ryan of ASAM.

The article offers information related to drug abuse. Topics include the remarks from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration head Elinore F. McCance-Katz regarding the health risks of marijuana, and the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry.

The article discusses the report of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol and opioid dependence. Topics include Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications such as acamprosate, methadone, and naltrexone, the issue of prior authorization requirements, and the step therapy. It also talks about the efficacy of the hub and spoke model.