| |
|
|
Child Psychiatrist vs. Developmental Pediatrician (Article 2) |
| |
Which Specialist Is Best for Your Patients?
|
|
Children with behavioral health needs are often referred to child and adolescent psychiatrists. Other times, a referral to a developmental pediatrician may be in order. This decision can sometimes be confusing for referring providers and the child’s parents. Here is some general information that offers a distinction between the types of treatment each specialty provider renders, as well as guidelines for making a decision.
|
|
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists |
|
Child and adolescent psychiatrists have medical degrees (MD or DO). Most child psychiatrists have completed an internship and a residency in general psychiatry, in addition to a two-year fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Board certifications exist in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. A physician who is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry will also be board certified in general psychiatry as a prerequisite.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists are able to perform evaluations, therapy and medication management. As physicians, they are familiar with medical conditions that may complicate a behavioral health condition. The assessment and treatment of DSM-IV-R disorders usually make up the main area of interest and main referral source for these specialists.
|
|
Developmental Pediatricians |
|
The American Board of Pediatrics recently established certification in two separate developmental pediatrician subspecialties: neurodevelopmental disabilities and developmental-behavioral pediatrics.
Neurodevelopmental disability is a conjoint program with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology that emphasizes neuromotor development and developmental disabilities.
The developmental-behavioral pediatrics subspecialty is under the sole auspices of the American Board of Pediatrics and focuses on psychosocial development and behavioral problems.
Generally developmental pediatricians evaluate and treat infants and children who are at high risk for developmental problems or have been referred for suspected developmental delays, including language, motor or cognitive delays. Some of these developmental conditions include Asperger’s Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder and autism.
|
|
Guidelines for Making a Decision |
|
As you can see, there is considerable overlap among the specific behavioral and developmental disorders that physicians in these specialties are trained to treat. Treatment practices between these specialties may range from traditional therapy and medication to educational and occupational therapies. When referring patients to providers in these specialties, consider these general guidelines:
|
|
- Patients presenting with a primary DSM-IV-R disorder may be referred to either a developmental pediatrician or a child psychiatrist.
- Patients presenting with a DSM-IV-R disorder and with recognized genetic, neurological or organic etiologies may be better referred to developmental pediatricians.
- Patients with primary medical or neurological symptoms and with concurrent psychiatric disorders also may be better referred to developmental pediatricians.
- Patients in need of coexisting therapy (individual, family or group) may be most suited with a child and adolescent psychiatrist to direct the treatment.
|
|
Humana Military’s first priority is to provide the best quality health care to TRICARE beneficiaries. As a referring provider, it is your responsibility to decide which specialist best meets the needs of your patient. Understanding the differences between these specialties and conveying the distinctions to patients’ parents will help reduce confusion and provide a better understanding of how best to help their child. |
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
Electronic Claims Filing Assistance (Article 3) |
|
TRICARE requires all network providers to file claims electronically.
For assistance with any issues related to electronic media claims (EMC) submission for the TRICARE South Region, contact the PGBA EMC Help Desk at 1-800-325-5920, option 2.
Visit Online Provider Services or www.mytricare.com for more information regarding electronic claims submission.
|
| |
Back to Top
|
| |
|
| |
|
