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Independence encourages medical and behavioral health providers to work together

May 1, 2015

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Independence encourages providers to improve communication between behavioral health 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 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 the patient 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. 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 aware of the information that will be shared and can express their written consent.

Independence and its behavioral health delegate Magellan Healthcare, an independent company, are working on a document to improve communication between medical and behavioral health providers. To obtain a copy of the current PCP to Behavioral Health Provider Communication Form, as well as other tools and resources, visit our Worksheets, Forms, and Guides web page.

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

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