Evaluating Collaborative Care Use through Claims Data Analysis
Primary care is the most common setting for mental health treatment in the U.S., yet many clinics face significant barriers to implementing effective care models. Collaborative Care Management (CoCM) is a proven, evidence-based approach for integrating behavioral health into primary care, but successful adoption requires changes in staffing, workflows, and billing practices. Since 2019, PRISM has supported over 250 Michigan clinics in implementing CoCM through training and technical assistance as part of a statewide initiative supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. To strengthen this initiative and guide future implementation, there is a need to better understand how CoCM is being used in practice, what factors contribute to successful uptake, and how patient needs vary across sites.
As a research partner, CHRT is responsible for leading the data analysis component of the project. This includes submitting data requests, cleaning and managing datasets, and analyzing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan claims data to examine CoCM utilization patterns. CHRT will assess clinic-level and community-level factors associated with CoCM implementation, as well as differences in patient needs and service use across sites. The insights gained will support PRISM’s efforts to refine technical assistance and inform future strategies for expanding high-quality, equitable mental health care throughout Michigan.