Optimizing CoCM Referrals for Patient & Practice Success
Sustainable collaborative care programs depend upon a steady flow of referrals across the spectrum of symptom severity.
When treatment is not progressing as expected for your patients, consider CoCM as a possible intervention. Referring into the program can both save you time and get patients the help they need faster. Additionally, CoCM can be effective for patients with any level of symptom severity.
Some additional considerations:
Although there is a requirement of a mental health diagnosis, the care manager’s accrued time is not limited to only mental health issues. CoCM care managers can seamlessly collaborate with you to manage co-occurring medical and mental health concerns for your patients.
Aim for an 80/20 split: 80% mild-moderate cases and 20% severe cases. This balance allows you to address a wider range of needs while optimizing workflow and workload.
The Clinical Value of a CoCM Referral
Referring a patient into a CoCM program offers substantial clinical value. A mental health diagnosis is required for enrollment in CoCM. In most states, any mental health diagnosis (which can be identified by ICD 10 "F code") will qualify.
The collaborative care model includes psychiatric consultation and frequent completions of validated measures. This means you can:
Refine diagnoses: Gain deeper clarity on patient conditions with comprehensive assessments.
Monitor medication effectiveness: Track medication adjustments and responses.
Navigate complex diagnoses: Effectively manage patients with complex, overlapping conditions.
Better understand social determinants of health (SDOH): Uncover factors influencing patient outcomes and inform holistic care plans.
Gain perspective on social/family dynamics: Hear insights from multiple sources, like family or teachers, to provide a more complete picture.
A Preventive Powerhouse for Patients
Early CoCM intervention for mild to moderate cases doesn't just react; it anticipates. Referring these patients into CoCM means you can:
Prevent symptom escalation: Catch emerging issues earlier.
Enhance treatment engagement: Foster patient buy-in and adherence to recommendations, leading to better outcomes.
Reduce future burden: Proactive care translates to improved long-term patient health and potentially fewer urgent cases down the line.
