Virtual Behavioral Health Integration Proven to Lower Costs

Martha Whitecotton, RN, MSN, FACHE

SVP, Behavioral Health Services
Atrium Health

Martha Whitecotton, Senior Vice President for Behavioral Health Services at Carolinas HealthCare System, has proven a lower cost, more efficient way to serve patients with behavioral health conditions. Their virtual Behavioral Health Services helps detect and assist in diagnosing and treating patients during primary care visits. Their services also support emergency departments throughout North Carolina by diagnosing, treating, supporting, and facilitating transportation and placement for emergency room behavioral health patients. The virtual workflow dramatically increases productivity for psychiatrists and other behavioral health clinicians. Pay-for-value contracts are required, however, for large scale deployment.