Magellan Uses Technology to Connect Iowa Providers, Consumers
Iowa has a shortage of mental health professionals. In fact, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Primary Care Office, 81 of 99 Iowa counties are designated mental health shortage areas. Magellan knows how important it is for consumers to have access to the mental health services they need to get better and stay well. So, the company is working with providers to improve Iowa Plan enrollees’ access through telehealth psychiatric services.
Telehealth involves mental health professionals using Web cams and other computer technology to provide services to more rural areas of the state where mental health provider shortages exist. The process saves consumers from having to travel far to meet with providers, and from paying additional fees to have a provider travel to them.
Psychiatrists at larger sites can connect to satellite sites that have telehealth technology and are more local to consumers. Staff members at the local offices then serve as liaisons to coordinate the consumer’s involvement in the process, and assist with follow-up activities such as prescriptions and labs. These local points of contact perform the care coordination duties that are reimbursable by Magellan.
In 2008, Magellan expanded its telehealth services to create a network in more than 33 counties to further enhance consumers’ access to services. The use of the new technology also may help attract newly graduated psychiatrists to Iowa and make it more appealing for them to stay, adding to the network of available providers.
For further information about telehealth, click here or contact Christine Sims, director of quality and compliance for Magellan of Iowa, at 1-800-638-8820.