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Independence encourages medical and behavioral health providers to work together

May 4, 2017

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Independence encourages improved communication between behavioral health providers and primary care physicians (PCP) in an effort to promote a cohesive plan of care for patients. During 2017, Independence and its behavioral health delegate, Magellan Healthcare, Inc., an independent company, will explore potential barriers and opportunities to facilitate communication and collaboration between PCPs and behavioral health providers and achieve optimal outcomes for your 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, that does not communicate about patient care. Information that PCPs may find helpful when they contact their patients? behavioral health care provider 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 mental health care. Therefore, 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 give their written consent.

To facilitate care between PCPs and behavioral health providers, Independence and Magellan created a Clinician Collaboration Form to 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 mental health and substance abuse benefits for most Independence members.

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

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