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, Independence and its behavioral health provider,
Magellan Healthcare, Inc. (Magellan), an independent company, will explore
potential opportunities to facilitate communication and collaboration between
PCPs and 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 medication 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 health 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 Independence NaviNet® Plan Central and
select Health and Wellness under Administrative Tools &
Resources. You can also visit the Worksheets, Forms, and Guides page of our website.
Magellan Healthcare, Inc. manages behavioral health and
substance abuse benefits for most Independence members.
NaviNet is a registered trademark of NaviNet, Inc., an
independent company.