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ValueOptions is currently conducting a quality improvement activity to identify whether TRICARE beneficiaries are being seen for a psychiatric medication evaluation within 30 days of being diagnosed with major depression by a therapist. ValueOptions is Humana Military’s subcontractor for behavioral health care services.
The Quality Management Committee is providing oversight for this initiative and has recommended that when a beneficiary meets the DSM-IV criteria for major depression, a referral to a psychiatrist or other physician be considered to assess the need for adjunctive medication management. Without adequate treatment, the risk of suicide for a patient with major depression can be about 10–15 percent. An untreated depression can last 6 months or longer.
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Treatment Recommendations for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, an evaluation should include the assessment of the most appropriate treatment modality, which could include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or the combination of medication plus psychotherapy or Electro-Convulsive Therapy. Additionally, a medical evaluation by a physician can help determine whether there may be medical causes, medication side effects or other factors contributing to the depressive symptoms.
If you are in need of assistance with referring a patient for behavioral health care services and are unaware of physicians in your area, please contact ValueOptions at 1-800-700-8646 for names of providers. |
