Independence Blue Cross (IBX) supports providers and members with comprehensive behavioral health resources to support screening for depression and connection to effective ongoing care.
The importance of depression screening
Depression is a leading risk factor for suicide, one of the top 15 causes of death in the U.S.* Nearly half of adults who died by suicide had seen a primary care provider in the month prior.† Regular screening enables timely diagnosis and treatment, even when patients do not openly report mood or cognitive changes.
Recognizing risk factors and symptoms
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Chronic medical illness with depression increases symptom severity and care needs.‡ IBX Behavioral Health Case Managers (nurses, social workers, counselors) partner with providers to identify at-risk members and support connection to appropriate and timely care.
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Postpartum depression affects 13 to 24 percent of U.S. women§ and is linked to adverse maternal and infant outcomes.
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Depression may present as changes in appetite, low energy, sleep disturbances,
aches/pains, headaches, menstrual symptoms, digestive issues, or sexual dysfunction.
- When these symptoms are present, consider depression and discuss additional indicators such as weight/appetite changes, insomnia/hypersomnia, fatigue, guilt, or suicidality.
Screening, diagnosis, and support
- Use validated screening tools for all adults, including pregnant and postpartum patients:
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Members can be screened and referred for behavioral health care through the secure
Quartet Health platform, which matches clinical needs, preferences, and coverage. Quartet Health enables secure virtual screening and referrals, including psychiatric consultations. Members may be referred by an IBX case manager or sign up directly.
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For members with complex conditions (bipolar depression, suicidality, psychosis, co-occurring depression, and maternal health conditions), consider referring to IBX Care Navigation to support timely connection with appropriate behavioral health providers. IBX Care Navigation connects members to care within 7 days via the
Connect to Care network, offering fast access and outcome tracking.
IBX supports coordinated care and provides 24/7 support
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IBX offers:
- Case Managers to support identified at-risk members and care coordination
- Customer Care Advocates for risk screening and care navigation
- Clinical Triage Team for 24/7 support, risk assessment, and immediate care connection
- Become familiar with the Connect to Care providers, who offer fast access to evidence-based treatment, including care for general mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, serious mental health conditions, eating disorders, suicide, and substance use disorders.
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IBX Behavioral Health Resources: Information and benefits for all ages and conditions.
Providers should discuss these resources with patients and encourage members to call the number on their ID card for behavioral health services.
Additional resources
Integrating appropriate tools and resources throughout the care process enables providers and members to address depression effectively and ensure timely access to care.
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. “Health, United States, 20192020–2021: Annual Perspective." Hyattsville, MD. 2023. Available from: cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus20-21.pdf
†SAMHSA. “Key substance uses and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health." HHS Publication No. PEP20-07-01-001, NSDUH Series H-55. 2020. Available from: samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-annual-national-report
‡National Institute of Mental Health. " Understanding the Link Between Chronic Disease and Depression." NIH Publication No. 24-MH-8015. Available from: nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health
§Bauman, B. L., et al. “Vital Signs: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Provider Discussions About Perinatal Depression – United States, 2018." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; 69, 19. 2020. Available from: cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6919a2-H.pdf
Quartet Health, Inc. (Quartet) is an independent healthcare technology and services company.
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