Tristate
New Prevention Program Launched
Anthem Partnership Plans and Magellan have launched a Perinatal Depression Program for the early identification, appropriate referral, and treatment of depressive disorders in women who are pregnant. Our intent is to decrease the severity and length of depressive illness, by increasing the rate of depression identification and treatment during the perinatal period. Another goal is to lessen the effects of maternal depression on the infant and family.
The members targeted for intervention efforts are females in their third trimester of pregnancy who are enrolled in Anthem Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Nevada Medicaid programs (managed by the Magellan Tristate Care Management Center).
As you may know, 11 percent to 15 percent of all women who give birth develop postpartum major depressive disorder.1 The mother’s interpersonal and occupational functioning can suffer directly from a major depressive disorder, which may result in serious consequences for herself and her family.
Our Program
Expectant mothers receive an introductory letter, a brochure about depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression, and an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. We encourage them to complete the Edinburgh screening and return it to Magellan for scoring. If the score indicates possible depression, we will contact the woman to further discuss. If appropriate, we will make a referral for a medical evaluation. Follow-up for those members referred for an evaluation will continue for three months, to assist in achieving optimal clinical and functional outcomes.
We expect this outreach program to improve the rate of identification and appropriate treatment for major depressive disorder in this high-risk population. It is intended that the early detection and treatment of perinatal depression will prevent, or minimize, the impact of the depression on the well-being of the woman and her family.
You may direct any questions, comments or concerns to Kim Stowers, RN, Magellan Health Services, at 1-877-212-8656, extension 67971, or at kastowers@MagellanHealth.com.
1MacQueen G, Pratap C (2004) Special Issues in the management of depression in women. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 49, Suppl 1: 27S-40S.