Blending behaviorists into the patient-centered medical home

Abstract

The US media reminds us daily of the health-care drama unfolding before our eyes. They tell us of change, big change. Those of us on the front line of this unprecedented change have learned the lesson that simple solutions to fix our complex health-care system are elusive. We remember the "good old days," when we tried to improve quality and control costs through a variety of means-wellness programs, preadmission review, concurrent review, retrospective review, preferred provider organizations, health maintenance organizations, fee-for-service contracts, capitation contracts, contact capitation contracts, employer coalitions, case management, care management, "1-800" health coaches, benefit redesign, cost sharing, cost shifting, and health savings accounts.