Coordination of Care

Behavioral health providers and the member's primary care physician (PCP) need to be able to contact each other in the event that the behavioral health provider discovers a medical condition or the PCP identifies a psychiatric or substance abuse problem during a medical examination.

After the behavioral health provider conducts an initial assessment, the behavioral health provider or clinical care manager should coordinate care with the member's PCP if a medical condition is discovered. Behavioral health providers can contact Behavioral Health Provider Services for help in coordinating care for members who require specialized assistance in managing co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions.  

Although the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows for communication between clinical practitioners for purposes of treatment coordination without member authorization, behavioral health practitioners are encouraged to discuss this with each member. In order to maintain member confidentiality, a written release form signed by the member is necessary for release of psychotherapy notes (session notes in the medical record consisting of the content of conversation during a private, group, joint, or family counseling session).

Coordination of care between the member's medical and behavioral providers is encouraged in the following situations:

• When a behavioral health practitioner begins prescribing psychotropic medications or makes significant changes to the regimen.
• A new member reports a concurrent medical condition, a substance abuse disorder and/or a major mental illness (for example, a condition other than an adjustment disorder) or when there is a change in condition for an established member.
• A behavioral health practitioner is considering treatment that requires a medical evaluation (for example, electroconvulsive therapy).
• A PCP or other medical provider refers a member to a behavioral health practitioner.

If there is any indication during a medical evaluation that a psychiatric or substance abuse problem is present, the PCP may contact Behavioral Health Provider Services. Participating providers may also refer members for routine behavioral health services by advising members to contact the Member Services number listed on the back of their ID card.