| This project was conducted to assess the influence of an intervention based quality initiative designed to improve care coordination between primary care and behavioral health providers during the last quarter of 2016. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as well as National Committee of Quality Assurance both regulate coordination of care standards. A total of 137 medical records were audited for compliance. The sample included Medicare beneficiaries ages 60 to 75, majority female, in treatment with a behavioral health provider. The largest provider groups were psychiatrists and psychologists. Methods included a 2016 pre-intervention medical record audit, implementation of a newly designed intervention and 2016 post intervention audit. The results showed a significant increase in BH notes within primary care (p <.001). The results helped the organization meet regulatory and health plan guidelines, pass the 2016 yearly audit and start a new process that promoted ongoing coordination of care efforts within primary care and multi-specialties. Based on the intervention, the organization has a new coordination of care policy to safeguard future compliance and ensure that the results remain sustainable. Overall, the intervention focused on improving care coordination and was effective in increasing the number of behavioral health notes for primary care. This provides an example that health care organizations can use to meet current and future national and governmental regulations. |
