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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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