October 2016

Coordination of Care Between Medical and Behavioral Health Providers

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) continually strives to promote coordination of member care between medical and behavioral health providers. We understand that communication between providers and their patients regarding the treatment and coordination of care can pose challenges.

Here are few resources available to you through BCBSTX:

1. The Coordination of Care Form Available Online

   To provide assistance when coordinating care, BCBSTX has created a Coordination of Care form that is available online. This new form may help in communicating patient information, such as:

• To provide member treatment information to another treating provider
• To request member treatment information from another treating provider

It is important to note that a written release to share clinical information with members’ medical providers must be obtained prior to the use of this form. BCBSTX recommends obtaining a written release prior to the onset of treatment.

If you are requesting member treatment information from another provider, it is recommended that the Patient Information and Referring Provider sections of the form be completed in order to expedite the care coordination process for the receiving provider.

2. If You Need Help Finding Behavioral Health Providers for Your Patients

   Call the number on the back of members’ BCBSTX ID cards to receive assistance in finding outpatient providers or behavioral health facilities.

3. Behavioral Health or Medical Case Management Services

   If you believe a patient has complex health needs and could benefit from additional support and resources from a clinician, you can make a referral to one of the BCBSTX Case Management programs by calling the number on the back of the member’s BCBSTX ID card. Case Management can also provide you and the member with information about additional resources provided by their insurance plan.