Comprehensiveness and continuity of care and the inseparability of mental and behavioral health from the patient-centered medical home

Abstract

Comprehensiveness and continuity of care are key elements of primary care system redesign. Comprehensiveness encompasses evaluating the whole person and dealing with the full range of physical, mental, and behavioral healthcare issues; and continuity is based on building healing relationships over time. This article suggests that a focus on comprehensiveness and continuity implies that responding to mental health, behavioral health, and substance use must be core elements of the patient-centered medical home. A list of necessary next steps toward achieving comprehensive and integrated care is recommended.