6. Leveraging technology to guide members navigating the maze of mental health services
Technology can be a valuable resource for care managers, especially in helping members address frustrating mental health needs.
In the United States, 61% of Americans report that the healthcare system is a hassle. This challenge is especially difficult for minorities, who the Centers for Disease Control reports struggle with challenges including cost, inadequate health insurance coverage, finding providers from their racial or ethnic group, and stigma about mental health. Care managers can serve as a source of support in identifying resources, scheduling appointments, and care coordination between providers.
Members need access to resources that match their needs, preferences, and cultures. Care managers can use digital content tools to build trust, support behavioral change, and drive return on investment within payer programs.
7. Improving care management decision-making around mental health emergencies
Integration of mental health into primary care is critical in a mental health crisis. Care managers are instrumental in supporting these connections.
During a time of crisis, this role can provide intervention and support through urgent care coordination, access to safety plans, and connecting members with the optimal providers and intervention services. But to do this quickly and effectively, managers need access to evidence-based content on topics including:
- Generalized anxiety
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Postpartum mental and behavioral health
- Antidepressant medication side-effects and switching
- Screening for depression and substance abuse
Clinicians used UpToDate® to search for mental health and psychiatry topics 10.9 million times in 2023. Care managers can similarly use the tool to integrate evidence-based information into their member interactions and better understand the provider experience.
8. Facilitating monitoring and follow-up that align with member needs
Care managers can be catalysts in supporting the kind of improved monitoring and follow-up that supports positive member outcomes.
Effective monitoring and follow-up requires that they have a sensitivity that aligns with a member’s cultural, demographic, and educational needs. This role needs tools to support check-in and progress reviews that are inviting and comfortable for their members.
How payers can support the evolving role of care managers in mental health
In a future of increasingly complex mental health challenges, care managers are the key that will unlock higher levels of engagement with at risk members, lower cost of care, and increased payer profitability. Payers who take steps to operationalize their approach to care management today will be better positioned to navigate the needs of their members tomorrow.
Download the Point of Care Report to learn more about the opportunities to leverage care managers as a support for providers who are making strides in mental health.
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