The purpose of this program is to promote collaboration, continuity and coordination between medical and behavioral health care by ensuring that Wellcare promotes early identification, increased awareness of best practices, and complete services provided among medical and behavioral health care.
Many behavioral health issues may result from or be exacerbated by chronic health conditions. Identification and consideration of behavioral health issues such as depression is important in the treatment of these conditions. Effective coordination of care is dependent upon clear and timely communication between the practitioners, providers and facilities caring for Wellcare's Medicare members. Effective communication allows for better decision-making regarding treatment interventions, and decreases the potential for fragmentation of treatment and/or adverse medication interactions.
Wellcare encourages providers to screen for depression and discuss with members the importance of appropriate follow-up with the right practitioner when issues and/or problems are identified. Proactive prevention, outreach and education programs are critical mechanisms through which members can obtain the appropriate behavioral health services regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or family background.
Wellcare has created a number of resources and tools for practitioners and members to use when screening for depression in members with chronic health conditions. Please see the Additional Resources area for brochures covering a variety of subjects that can be shared with Wellcare members. We also have tools that will help when screening patients for depression.
Please be sure to check back regularly for preventive health/educational materials and outreach tools related to chronic health conditions and depression.
