Overview of the Depression Management Program

The evidence is compelling that individuals with depression are less well off than individuals without depression, in terms of overall health and functioning. It is also clear that depression carries high costs to society, not only in health care expenditures but in lost productivity as well. Literature further demonstrates that many patients with depression still receive no treatment, or receive treatment that is not consistent with recent evidence-based guidelines. Taking this information as a mandate, Beacon has developed a multi-faceted, structured program to manage adult depression.

What are the Goals of the Program?
Beacon’s Depression Management Program was designed to achieve the following clinical and quality goals:

• identify adult members with depression immediately after diagnosis
• educate members, behavioral health providers and primary care practitioners about depression
• reduce the incidence of depression and other behavioral health sequalae
• reduce the incidence of medical conditions concomitant with depression

Depression Management in Action
Beacon’s comprehensive Depression Management Program targets adult members with depressive diagnoses identified from three sources that include members who:

• have been discharged from inpatient mental health facilities;
• have been newly diagnosed and receiving outpatient treatment; and
• have been newly prescribed antidepressants.

Member outreach by experienced, independently licensed clinicians employed as Depression Case Managers is a key component of the program. Outreach activities include both telephonic and written contact with screening, education, support and assistance in accessing services as necessary. At each contact, the case manager queries members about their compliance with the treatment plan, including medication and follow-up appointment attendance.

If the member is not adhering to his or her treatment plan, e.g., is not taking medication as ordered and/or is not attending outpatient appointments, the case manager coaches and educates the member on the importance of follow-through with treatment. The case manager offers assistance in overcoming barriers and scheduling appointments, as well as suggestions to improve compliance. With member consent, the prescriber is notified if the member stops taking his or her medication or changes the dosage of prescribed medication. To improve continuity and coordination of care, members with medical co-morbid issues are referred to their health plan’s medical case management staff.

Commitment to Results
Beacon’s Depression Management Program has demonstrated significant reductions in acute service utilization as measured by the following:

• Decrease in 90 day readmission rates
• Improved treatment plan compliance
• Percent of members who stay in outpatient treatment for 12 weeks post diagnosis
• Percent of members who remain on antidepressant for 12 weeks post diagnosis