Steven S. Sharfstein, MD, Describes Health Reform's Impact On Medicare/Medicaid Beneficiaries With Mental Illness

Steven S. Sharfstein, MD, president and CEO of Sheppard Pratt, says that patients with mental illness who are insured under Medicare or Medicaid will feel the effect of health reform in terms of cost control and quality-focused care.

“There will be an increased emphasis on providing care in the least costly setting in terms of providing bundled payments or perspective payments for services,” says Dr Sharfstein.

He adds that new health models, such as accountable care organizations, will encourage providers to consider how to most effectively deliver healthcare services.