COORDINATION OF CARE WITH PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTITIONERS

Cigna recognizes the interrelationship between general medical and behavioral health. Cigna relies on you, as a contracted behavioral health provider, to facilitate the coordination of care between medical and behavioral practitioners through good communication.

In fact, it is Cigna's policy that you attempt to coordinate with your patient's primary care physician (PCP) and other behavioral health practitioners when it is relevant. Cigna's Medical Management Program includes information about coordination of care. When a patient begins treatment, please remember to collect PCP and other practitioner information as well as a Release of Information from the patient to obtain his or her consent to speak with other practitioners. This will allow you to exchange appropriate clinical information with other practitioners throughout a patient’s treatment.

Please visit Section 5, page 29 of the Medical Management Program for details about when it may be appropriate to communicate with another practitioner. Additionally, you'll find documents to assist in the coordination of care in Appendix G of the Medical Management Program, including consent forms and sample communications. Cigna monitors compliance with this quality initiative as a part of care management and medical record reviews.

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