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Behavioral Health

At MDwise, we aim to help our members access the care they need.  Our goal is to make it easier for our behavioral health practitioners to help our members in areas of mental and physical health, life stressors, substance use and interpersonal relationships.  Below you can find tools developed based upon the needs of our members and for ease of use.

Provider Connections

MDwise Health Service, Medical & Behavioral Health Prior Authorization

Phone & Fax Authorization Requests               Portal Authorization Requests
Phone: 1-888-961-3100                                        Provider Authorization Portal
Main Fax: 1-888-465-5581
Inpatient Fax: 1-866-613-1631                             E-Mail Inquiry: padept@mdwise.org
Outpatient Fax: 1-866-613-1642

Integrating Care for Patients with Coexisting Conditions: Medical and Behavioral Health Coordination

MDwise emphasizes the critical need for follow-up care for patients with both behavioral and physical health diagnoses after discharge from a behavioral health hospitalization. Without proper follow-up, coexisting conditions can deteriorate. MDwise advocates for provider collaboration to manage these conditions efficiently.

Inpatient behavioral health providers should ensure follow-up with a primary medical provider (PMP) within seven (7) and thirty (30) days post discharge. Timely follow-up care can lead to decreased suicidal ideation, reduced hospital readmissions, and improved medication adherence. Patients with serious mental illness (SMI) often have poor physical health outcomes and lower life expectancy. Their intertwined diagnoses require coordinated care to improve overall health outcomes.

Recommended post-discharge treatment includes a visit with a mental health provider ideally within 7 days of discharge. Examples of follow-up care include outpatient visits, intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, telehealth sessions, and transitional care management services.

Benefits of Collaboration:

  • Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: Patients experience a more positive healthcare journey when providers work together.
  • Improved Employee Satisfaction: Collaborative efforts lead to higher job satisfaction and retention among healthcare professionals.
  • Reduced Medical Errors: Multiple perspectives in patient care reduce the likelihood of errors and complications

Helpful Suggestions for Providers:

  1. Active Listening: Give full attention to patients, ask open-ended questions, and provide feedback to show you are listening.
  2. Non-Verbal Communication: Use positive body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to convey empathy and understanding.
  3. Patient Education: Use plain language to explain health conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
  4. Utilize Technology: Implement tech-based solutions like telehealth and medical answering services to streamline communication.
  5. Empathetic Responses: Acknowledge patients' emotions and offer support with phrases like, “I can see how difficult this is for you”.

MDwise's Care Management team is available to assist members with any barriers that might prevent them from keeping their follow-up appointments, including lack of transportation, missed appointments, and adherence to prescription regimens. Providers may call us at 800-356-1204 or visit Case Management/Disease Management Referral Form - MDwise | MDwise Documents and Links to refer a patient to care management or if you have any questions.

Collaborative efforts not only improve patient outcomes but also foster a supportive and cohesive healthcare environment, enhancing the overall well-being of both patients and providers. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those we care for.

Suicide Prevention Tool kit