Independence Blue Cross (IBX) knows that the management of mental health in the primary care setting is crucial for whole person health. Coordination with behavioral health care specialists may be necessary and can enhance your ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Effective coordination of both physical and mental health care supports patient safety, identification of risks, and adherence to treatment.
Support and resources for your patients
For case management support:
For 24/7 emergency support:
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For free, confidential support,
call or text 988.
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Crisis Text Line. To connect with a Crisis Counselor,
text HOME to 741741.
For patients seeking local crisis and mental health services in the Philadelphia five-county area:
Discussing coordination with your patients
You must obtain and document patient consent prior to exchanging patient personal information and discussing patient health care with other providers, including behavioral health specialists. We encourage you to discuss the importance of coordinated medical and behavioral health care with your patients. Provide your patients with clear information about what will be shared and how that information will benefit the management of both their medical and behavioral health care.
Coordinating with behavioral health services
For our members with complex behavioral health needs, discuss behavioral health services with them or their caregiver. If appropriate, with the member's consent, refer our members to behavioral health specialists by calling the number on the back of the member's ID card under Mental Health/Substance Abuse.
Regular communication with specialists providing behavioral health services to your patients is an essential component of effective management. Shared information could include:
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Management of medications and treatments, especially:
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clinical risks (e.g., antipsychotics, which may increase risk for metabolic syndrome);
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polypharmacy and medication interactions; and
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side effects that could influence compliance with care.
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Coordination of ordering tests and monitoring results;
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Interactions between behavioral health and medical conditions;
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Influence of behavioral health stressors on medical symptoms; and
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Influence of social determinants on health outcomes.
Remember to document each communication with your patient's other providers in their medical record.
Collaborating with behavioral health services through Quartet
Quartet Health — an independent health care technology and services company — enables primary care and behavioral health providers to collaborate on a fully insured member's behavioral health needs. The Quartet program is included at no additional cost to the member or employer.
Quartet's secure and virtual platform allows you to refer your fully insured patients for behavioral health care that matches their clinical needs, personal preferences, and insurance coverage. The platform also allows you to see attendance and progress reports from your patient's behavioral health care provider.
If you have questions or want to enroll with Quartet, please email Quartet at: support@quartethealth.com.