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Tele-monitors available for heart failure patients New online service to support consumer choice Interactive weight management program introduced Clinical matters: Zocor New on the Web this month Clinical guidelines available on the Web Medicare payments require HCC system Antidepressant medication management Depression case management expanded Combined treatment for ADHD offers advantages Clinician resources available for substance abuse Documentation guidelines available HEDIS chart review planned Assessment forms help provide timely pregnancy assistance New guidelines for chiropractors Patients sometimes do not discuss supplements they take Utilization services provide valuable support
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 Antidepressant medication management
UPMC Health Plan uses several measures to evaluate the quality of medication management for members over 18 years of age who are diagnosed with a new episode of depression. One of the measures, “Optimal Practitioner Contact,” assesses whether members have at least three follow-up visits for treatment of depression during the first 12 weeks of treatment. Compliance with the measurement requires that at least one visit be with a prescribing physician and that the visit diagnosis indicate a depressive disorder. Two antidepressant medication management measures assess whether medication trials were of an adequate length. UPMC Health Plan measures the percent of members that remain on an antidepressant drug during the first 12 weeks (84 days) of treatment and the percent that remain on an antidepressant drug for 180 days. Treatment of depression in the primary care setting is common, since patients often present with symptoms in their physician’s office and may choose to have antidepressant medications prescribed and managed by their PCP. Unfortunately, depression may not be diagnosed in medical settings, particularly when the patient has other serious or chronic health problems in need of treatment. It is important for providers to be aware that depression frequently occurs with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Persons with these illnesses, their families and friends, and even their physicians may misinterpret depression’s warning signs, mistaking them for inevitable accompaniments to the physical condition. Symptoms of depression may overlap with those of the physical illnesses. Depression can and should be treated when it occurs with other illnesses, because untreated depression can delay recovery from, or worsen the outcome of, other illnesses. Physicians are encouraged to coordinate care with behavioral health specialists who are involved in their patients’ treatment. For case management services for UPMC Health Plan members with depression or any other behavioral health condition, call 1-888-777-8754. If you require any other support related to your patients’ behavioral health needs, contact Community Care Behavioral Health’s Provider Line at |
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