Beacon Health Strategies, LLC (Beacon) is pleased to announce the introduction of its comprehensive Depression Health Management (DHM) program. Launched in June 2008 for selected adult members of Fallon Community Health Plan, the program is now available to Managed Care Organizations as a stand-alone product or integrated with other Beacon services.

Designed to improve health outcomes for adults with depression, the DHM program is clinically based on the peer-reviewed and evidence-based Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorders, issued by the American Psychiatric Association. Using a multi-pronged approach, Beacon’s DHM program integrates behavioral, pharmacy and medical management data to achieve the best possible therapeutic results. DHM Program features include:

• Proactive identification of at-risk members based on health plan databases and widely recognized health risk assessment tools;
• Timely, personalized outreach to members and interventions by experienced behavioral health professionals;
• Assistance in obtaining appropriate care commensurate with current behavioral health care guidelines and coordination of referrals for more specialized care as needed;
• Ongoing education and support for members and their families to help them identify, understand and manage depression and potential medication side effects;
• Education about depression care management for primary care physicians and customized feedback about their patients’ treatment patterns and progress;
• Analysis of antidepressant drug utilization patterns and initiatives to avoid drug contraindications and promote appropriate management of antidepressants;
• Targeted identification of at-risk members who are likely to develop depression related to chronic and life-threatening medical conditions, including specialized materials and strategies.

Founded in 1996, Beacon Health Strategies is a recognized leader in behavioral health care management with an unequaled reputation for providing customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each of its health plan partners. Accredited by both URAC and NCQA, Beacon's expertise and ability to successfully deliver innovative clinical and administrative solutions in complex environments differentiate Beacon from other managed behavioral health organizations.