Funding for consultation-liaison services in public sector-managed care plans. The experience of the Consultation-Liaison Association of Philadelphia

The carved-out system's view

Rarely do issues of mental health care in medical settings and the medical care of severely and persistently mentally ill patients treated in public mental health get addressed. The best approach to ensure that care is integrated is to reduce obstacles to reimbursement. In particular, carved-out systems should ask questions that highlight areas for change.

The integrated system's view

Truly integrated systems in public sector settings have been few, and most of us are operating in uncharted waters. However, we can embark on this new effort with some eagerness and confidence that collaboration will contribute significantly to the care of our mutual patients.