Improved communication between behavioral health providers and primary care
physicians (PCP) is an important factor in promoting a cohesive plan of care
for patients. During 2018, AmeriHealth and its behavioral health provider,
Magellan Healthcare, Inc. (Magellan), will explore potential opportunities to
facilitate communication and collaboration between PCPs behavioral health
providers to achieve optimal outcomes for your patients.
While communication between PCPs and behavioral health providers is slowly
improving, there is still a large percentage of both medical and behavioral
health providers who do not communicate about patient care. Helpful questions
PCPs should ask the behavioral health care provider include:
- Has the patient been prescribed medications to manage behavioral health
conditions? Is the patient compliant with medication management?
- Are there any special considerations regarding medication interactions? Has
the patient had any side effects from medications?
- How does the patient's behavioral health influence medical complaints and
response to care?
- For patients with chronic illness, do they have increased symptoms or
complaints during times of stress?
- Some medications such as second-generation antipsychotics require metabolic
monitoring.* For patients taking medications that require metabolic monitoring,
how can you coordinate the appropriate tests are ordered and that the results
are monitored?
*Metabolic monitoring may be as simple as
assessing weight, appetite, or vital signs; however, some medications require
laboratory testing.
Please note that PCPs must obtain patient consent to exchange patients'
personal information and discuss their behavioral health care with a Magellan
provider, and that certain conditions require the completion of a specific
consent form. Therefore, please discuss with your patients the importance of
sharing this information for their health and safety and coordination of care.
When possible, provide your patients with an appropriate consent form they can
sign, so they are informed what will be shared and can give their written
consent.
To better facilitate care between PCPs and behavioral health providers, use
the Clinician Collaboration Form, which should be completed and
then sent electronically or by mail to the provider. For a copy of
the Clinical Collaboration Form and other tools and
resources, go to AmeriHealth NaviNet® Plan Central and
select Health and Wellness under Administrative Tools &
Resources. You can also visit the website for AmeriHealth New Jersey or AmeriHealth Pennsylvania.
Magellan Healthcare, Inc. manages mental health and
substance abuse benefits for most AmeriHealth members.
NaviNet is a registered trademark of NaviNet,
Inc.