The Practitioner Connection
Volume XXVIII, 4th Quarter

ACCESS TO OUTPATIENT CARE

Cigna offers Crisis Stabilization, Intermediate and Routine access to service to our participants. As a network provider you have the opportunity to elect to participate in Cigna's Crisis Stabilization and Intermediate specialty access levels in addition to offering Routine services. To learn more about the access levels and the responsibilities and benefits of participation please read the following article.

IDENTIFYING BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a relatively common disorder seen in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings. It is important to consider the diagnosis of BPD or a rule out diagnosis in a differential diagnosis, when symptoms might suggest this. If someone has a BPD as well as co-occurring conditions it is important to develop a treatment plan not just for the primary diagnosis but for all co-occurring condition(s).

CIGNA MEDICARE ACCESS^SM

Cigna Medicare Access plans will have new features and an expanded service area beginning January 1, 2009. Plans will be offered to employer groups nationwide, as well as directly to individuals, in over 1,500 counties in the 28 states. Read the following article, for more information.

EAP ASSISTANCE WITH WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS

The Cigna Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can offer support and services during the difficult downsizing process. Read the following article to learn about some of the services available under EAP.

TWO NEW INITIATIVES

Preliminary indications from two related pilot programs, undertaken in early 2008, suggest we are simultaneously delivering better care outcomes for the people we serve, while increasing facility satisfaction with Cigna service. The Intensive Care Management program improves clinical outcomes by focusing attention on those with complex clinical needs. The Fast Certification program reduces unnecessary administrative burden from the utilization management process for inpatient admissions.

INSURANCE IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Insurance Identification (ID) Cards can provide to practitioners a wealth of information regarding a participant’s benefits. It is recommended that practitioners keep a copy of the ID card, front and back, in the participant’s file.

REMINDERS

The Cigna's 2008 Level of Care Guidelines for Behavioral Health have been posted online. Read this article to learn about some of the updates and much more!

"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., Cigna Health Management, Inc., 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.

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