Integrated Specialty Care: A Review of the Current State

The paper reviews the integrated specialty care literature from the past 5 years, summarizes themes, and highlights next steps for continuing to move the field forward.

Forty-six articles have been written on integrated specialty care in the last 5 years. People are using generic integration principles, adapting primary care models, and outlining new adaptations and frameworks for their specialty settings. Providers continue to find integration important to their practice and their professional satisfaction. Positive impacts continue to be made on patient outcomes, including prevention. There is some evidence for decreases in utilization. Barriers continue with respect to reimbursement and financial support. Integrating behavioral health (BH) into specialty care is a beneficial endeavor for providers and patients alike. New trends in integration continue to emerge as additional specialty practices integrate. Reducing financial barriers while engaging in efforts to build a competent BH workforce are imperatives.