The Path to Integrating Medical, Behavioral, and Oral Health Care: Oregon's Experience With Change

Oregon's medical, behavioral, and oral health care delivery systems-like many other states-have evolved in silos with separate funding streams, billing systems, and data gathering and reporting requirements. There is mounting evidence that integration of behavioral, medical, and oral health care is essential for reducing cost and fragmentation and improving quality of care, access to treatment, and patient outcomes. Oregon has taken steps to reduce those silos and work toward a health system that coordinates medical, behavioral, and oral health. The state has developed performance measures for quality improvement; provided technical assistance and resources; and implemented legislation to support integrated care. Oregon Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) are also involved in supporting integration through their governance structure, by encouraging and financially supporting integrated pilots in local practices, by providing educational and training opportunities to local stakeholders. Oregon continues to develop and evolve these strategies to further support an integrated system.