Collaborative Care Policy Background

The Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) is an established, team-based approach to integrated care that routinely measures both clinical outcomes and patient goals over time to increase the effectiveness of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in primary care settings.

CoCM is currently the only integrated mental health model reimbursed in primary care with dedicated Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes. Covered by Medicare since 2017, nearly all commercial payers since 2019, and a growing number of Medicaid programs, CoCM has a clear pathway for long-term financial sustainability and increasing treatment access. The potential cost-savings of widespread implementation are also significant, with a 2008 study finding savings of up to $6 in total medical costs for every $1 spent on CoCM. A subsequent 2013 publication estimated $15 billion in nationwide Medicaid savings if every beneficiary with diagnosed depression were to receive CoCM services (~20% of total Medicaid beneficiaries). Despite its effectiveness and savings, adoption has been slow.

View or download the full white paper on Collaborative Care (January 2024).