Behavioral Health
Access to Care
MercyCare Health Plans (MCHP) has mechanisms in place to monitor the access to care our member's receive for behavioral health services. The following standards have been established for MCHP practitioners:
- Routine Office Visit- within 10 business days
- Urgent Appointments- within 48 hours
- Non Life Threatening Emergency- within 6 hours
MCHP monitors after hours care our provider offices offer to ensure that our members can reach a live person to help direct them with their care. If, as a prudent lay person, you feel this is a serious psychiatric or medical condition that requires immediate attention, you should seek care from the closest urgent or emergency care facility.
Behavioral Health / Substance Abuse Services
- Services received by a participating network practitioner or provider is covered as described in your Schedule of Benefits. If you need assistance in locating a network practitioner or provider, visit our website provider directory or contact our customer service department at 1-800-895-2421.
- A participating network practitioner or provider must provide all mental health and substance abuse services for coverage to occur. Please be advised that it is your responsibility to confirm that an out of network provider has an MHP approved referral or you will be held financially responsible for that provider's charges.
- If you need assistance with an emergency psychiatric or substance abuse admission, or other emergent service, please go to the nearest Emergency Department or dial 911.
- Mental health and substance abuse benefits are defined in your schedule of benefits. Once you reach your benefit maximum, you will be financially responsible for any further services and charges for the remainder of the contract year. It is beneficial to record the services that you have used. Please refer to your certificate of Coverage and Schedule of Benefits to determine the coverage limits of your benefit plan.
Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
MercyCare Health Plans (MCHP) formed a committee in 2003 called the Behavioral Health advisory Committee (BHAC), which consists of network psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health therapists, addiction counselors, primary care physicians, and other medical specialists. The purpose of this committee is to encourage collaboration between medical professionals and behavioral health specialists to improve continuity and coordination of care.
The first meeting was held in March of 2003 and subsequently in the same month for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The committee discusses the quality projects that MCHP currently has in place for behavioral health care, substance abuse care, communication between practitioners, treatment of depression, outreach for appointments following psychiatric admissions, medication usage, postpartum depression and screening, and co-occurring substance use abuse and medical disorders.
The committee provides feedback and recommendations to improve the quality of behavioral health care our members receive.
Depression Management
MercyCare Health Plans (MCHP) is committed to facilitating follow up services for members post hospitalization for behavioral health services. Our Utilization Management staff works with your hospital placement staff to ensure follow up behavioral health services are available to you within 7 & 30 days of discharge. In some cases, a Case Manager may be assigned to facilitate ongoing care.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse / Dependency
MercyCare Health Plans (MCHP) is committed to facilitating follow up services for members post hospitalization for chemical dependency services. Our Utilization Management staff works with your hospital placement staff to ensure follow up chemical dependency services are available to you within 7 days of discharge. In some cases, a Case Manager may be assigned to facilitate ongoing care.
Screening Tools
Screening for Mental Health related illnesses
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Self directed screening mechanism available by  clicking here and entering keyword: screening.
Conditions In Depth
This is a comprehensive reference guide to more than 100 health and medical conditions. In addition to general medical information, each report features practical information ranging from making informed health decisions to "Living with" a particular medical condition. Each report has been physician-reviewed to ensure medical accuracy and timeliness.
This information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional before starting any new treatment and to ask any questions you have regarding a medical condition.
Other Helpful Resources
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Patient Health Questionaire (PHQ-9)
