December 2019

CT BHP Provider eNewsletter

Mixing it Up  The Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (CT BHP) implemented its Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Bypass Program several years ago as a quality-driven approach to utilization management. Recently, Beacon Health Options, the Connecticut Hospital Association, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and a workgroup of hospital representatives, collaborated to develop case-mix adjustment methodology to enhance the bypass program based on provider feedback. Until 2019, the variables measured in the inpatient bypass program were: (1) average length of stay; (2) seven-day readmission rate; and (3) discharge form completion rate. These measures were designed as quality improvement tools and presented quarterly to inpatient psychiatry providers.

Over time, the group refined the bypass program by incorporating predictive modeling for the average length of stay (ALOS) measure. This approach allows Beacon to utilize historical data and construct a case-mix adjusted length of stay which facilitates a more equitable evaluation by capturing the clinical complexity of members treated within inpatient psychiatric facilities and generating a predicted length of stay for each episode of care.   Read More!

Screening Tools for Members 13 Years and Older The CT Behavioral Health Partnership (CT BHP) supports the early detection and treatment of depressive and comorbid disorders to promote optimal health for members 13 years and older.  As a reminder to our provider network, the CT BHP offers many standardized screening tools for depression, suicide and comorbid issues available at no cost. Screening at the first visit and repeated at regular intervals, as clinically indicated, can identify potential symptoms that may need further evaluation. Read More! Quick Links Provider Bulletins - Alert Find a Provider MAT Resources Welcome New Providers

Enhancing Communities and Sustaining True Partnerships Every day, thousands of Connecticut Medicaid providers deliver critical services that support our members to live their lives to the fullest potential. Due to the state’s dynamic economic climate and the evolving needs of our members, there have been several changes to the services that are available throughout Connecticut, making it increasingly challenging to connect our members with the appropriate care. The Consumer and Family Advisory Council (CFAC) works to improve communication among providers, individuals, families, agencies and communities regarding service delivery in order to produce more positive and meaningful outcomes. To this end, the Council in conjunction with the CT Behavioral Health Partnership (CT BHP), successfully hosted the 5 th annual iCAN Conference on Thursday, September 26th at The Artists Collective in Hartford, CT. Read More!

CT BH(el)P! Desk The CT BHP Provider Relations Department hosts a weekly, interactive webinar every Wednesday from 10:00 am - 10:45 am which provides tutorials and answers inquiries from the CMAP provider network.  Each webinar provides a quick, 30 minute overview of the ProviderConnect application for new providers, new staff members or any user that may need a brush up on the authorization portal. The remainder of the webinar is open to provider inquiries or requests for assistance with CT BHP policies and procedures.  Click Here for More Information and to Register for an Upcoming Session !

Contact Us  Ideas and suggestions for future editions? Email:  ctbhp@beaconhealthoptions.com Questions or need a hard copy? Call CT BHP Provider Relations: 877-552-8247