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Part 1 ? The importance of working together

Independence encourages providers to improve communication between behavioral health care providers and primary care physicians (PCP) in an effort to promote a cohesive plan of care for patients. While communication between PCPs and behavioral health providers is slowly improving, there continues to be a large percentage of providers, both medical and behavioral health, who do not communicate about patient care. Information that PCPs may find helpful when they contact their patients' behavioral health care providers includes:

• Is the patient on any second generation antipsychotics?
• Are there any special considerations regarding medication interactions? Has the patient had any side effects from medications?
• How is this affecting any medical complaints? If there is a chronic illness, does he/she have increased symptoms during times of stress?
• How can you coordinate appropriate tests to be ordered and results monitored?

PCPs must obtain patient consent to exchange patients' personal information and discuss their behavioral health care. Please discuss with your patients the importance of having this information for their health and safety. When possible, provide your patients with a consent form they can sign so they are informed of the information that will be shared and can express their written consent.

To facilitate care between PCPs and behavioral health care providers, Independence and Magellan Healthcare, Inc. created a Clinician Collaboration Form, which can be completed and sent electronically or printed and mailed to the provider. The form can be downloaded from our website or from the NaviNet^® web portal under Health and Wellness in the Administrative Tools & Resources section of Independence Plan Central.

Magellan Healthcare, Inc., an independent company, manages mental health and substance abuse benefits for most Independence Blue Cross members.

NaviNet is a registered trademark of NaviNet, Inc., an independent company.

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