The Practitioner Connection
Volume XXVII, 3rd Quarter

BASIC TREATMENT INTERVENTIONS FOR AUTISM AND AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD)

Although there is no cure for autism and the autistic spectrum disorders, there is growing evidence that early recognition and treatment with behavioral interventions as well as pharmacological interventions can significantly improve outcomes and lead to a better quality of life. At the same time, treatment is complex and should include a comprehensive team approach which includes family members.

EAP WORK/LIFE SERVICES

An EAP can be an effective tool to address all the concerns that impact an individual’s well-being. It is important to remember that EAP offers more than provider referrals for clinical issues. The EAP provides individuals and their families with information, educational materials, community resources and a wide range of referral sources for whatever your need.

NATIONAL CARE CENTER DEPRESSION PREVENTIVE HEALTH PROGRAM

For participants aged 18 and over who are assisted through the National Care Center (NCC), any first admission in a calendar year with a diagnosis of Major Depression triggers mailing of two separate information packets to the participant’s home. These mailings are intended to increase understanding of depression, to encourage beneficial self-care/monitoring, and to support outpatient treatment engagement to reduce depression impact and progression. This article discusses the results of this program for 2007 and the first half of 2008.

NCQA PRACTITIONER SITE VISITS

CIGNA recently instituted a new Practitioner Site Visit Process to respond to member concerns about providers’ offices due to a new NCQA requirement. The following article summarizes CIGNA's processes for responding to these concerns and the types of questions which the CIGNA representative will inquire about during a visit.

PARTICIPANT SAFETY

Network-wide safe clinical practices reduce the risk of harm to participants through collaborative effort between CIGNA and its behavioral practitioners and facility providers. Active commitment by CIGNA and by practitioners and providers helps to assure that participants are afforded safe and effective treatment experiences.

2008 REVIEW OF CIGNA'S BEHAVIORAL LEVEL OF CARE GUIDELINES

CIGNA formally adopts behavioral Level of Care Guidelines based on appropriate medical evidence, evidence-based practice, and consistency with the Clinical Practice Guidelines published by credible professional societies, such as the American Psychiatric Association, for condition-specific management of illness. The Level of Care Guidelines have been updated for 2008.

"CIGNA" and "CIGNA HealthCare" are registered service marks of CIGNA Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation.” Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation. These operating subsidiaries include Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Tel-Drug, Inc. and its affiliates, CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc., Intracorp, and HMO or service company subsidiaries of CIGNA Health Corporation and CIGNA Dental Health, Inc. In Arizona, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. In California, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of California, Inc. In Connecticut, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc. In Virginia, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare Mid-Atlantic, Inc. In North Carolina, HMO plans are offered by CIGNA HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc. All other medical plans in these states are insured or administered by Connecticut General Life Insurance Company.

808353 10/07 ©2008 CIGNA