Primary care providers (PCPs) play an increasingly important role in the behavioral health diagnosis and treatment of patients. Incorporating behavioral health interventions into primary care can improve treatment adherence, chronic disease management, and overall patient outcomes, while promoting the efficient delivery of whole person care in a meaningful way.

However, the complexity of treating patients with multiple conditions—behavioral and medical—continues to grow. A 2024 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found that 42 percent of Americans have two or more chronic conditions, and 12 percent have five or more.[1] Proper prescribing and dosing, as well as patient medication adherence, are ongoing challenges for providers—particularly when treating patients with multiple chronic conditions.

For patients, medication adherence includes more than the number of pills taken on a regular basis; there are related issues such as understanding the prescribed regimen, as well as storing, organizing, and taking their medications according to instructions.

Highlights from new guide

Cigna Healthcare^® has resources to support both PCPs and patients with complex diagnoses to  balance treatment plans for mental and physical health, drive medication adherence, and support overall wellness.

A recently released Cigna Healthcare guide, “Behavioral health and medication adherence in primary care,” explores the following prevalent diagnoses and treatments:

• Depression.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Additionally, it provides information on:

• Coordination of care between PCPs and behavioral health clinicians

Barriers to treatment and methods to improve medication adherence.

Through integrated care and education, behavioral health conditions can be successfully treated in primary care settings.

Learn more about additional strategies and resources offered by Cigna Healthcare.

[1] Chronic Disease Prevalence in the US: Sociodemographic and Geographic Variations by Zip Code Tabulation Area