Concurrent general medical and psychiatric illnesses frequently occur in the same individual, yet are assessed and treated in health care systems worldwide as though a relationship between the two did not exist. The article previews evidence about the negative impact that segregated behavioral (mental and substance abuse) health and medical business practices, care management, and clinician intervention have on clinical, functional, and financial outcomes. It discusses integrated care models, that lead to health improvements and decrease the total costs of care. Finally, it delineates general steps that are needed to move from a fragmented to an integrated health system

See Roger Kathol, Steve M Saravay, Antonio Lobo and Johan Ormel: Epidemiologic Trends and Costs of Fragmentation in Frits J Huyse and Friedrich C Stiefel Integrated care for the complex medically ill. Medical Clinics of North America Issue July 2006 Elsevier