News Report | January 5, 2020
Integrated Pediatric Service Model Increases Primary Care Visits Without Raising Costs
The implementation of an integrated pediatric care model in Boston-area pediatric community health centers (CHCs) increased the number of primary care visits without raising Medicaid costs. About 15% more Medicaid-eligible children with mental health diagnoses made primary care visits in the 18 months after three CHCs implemented the Transforming and Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in Urban Pediatrics (TEAM UP) model in 2016. Compared to non-participating sites, primary care visits rose at the three TEAM UP sites. There were no significant change in costs billed to BMC HealthNet (a Medicaid health plan) or in avoidable emergency . . .