Depression Care Program

Help patients manage depression, day by day

The Preferred Care disease management (DM) program for depression helps individuals recognize the symptoms of depression, obtain appropriate treatment, and adhere to prescribed therapies. The program was developed with input from practicing psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and family practice physicians and is based on current standards of care for the management of depression.

Program Components

To achieve these goals, members will receive a biannual newsletter with helpful articles related to depression and mental wellness, as well as other educational materials and health management tools. Members will be encouraged to complete a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) survey that includes the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) questions to assess the severity of their depression.

Health Coaching is a Key Component

Members with moderate to severe depression also may participate in health coaching by phone. Health coaching reinforces the care plan developed by the member’s health care providers. Talking with a health coach over the phone also empowers members to work on personal change and to utilize health care constructively. 

Following the providers’ treatment plan, the health coach will:

• educate members on depression and how it is treated;
• encourage adherence to prescribed treatment plans including medications and psychotherapy;
• help members identify personal health concerns and set goals; 
• identify barriers to personal goals and methods for overcoming them;
• review progress toward goals during each call;
• teach problem-solving skills;
• help members recognize triggers and symptoms of depression; and
• encourage members to attend follow-up visits as prescribed.

This program is managed by the MVP Quality Improvement (QI) Department along with the Preferred Care Behavioral Health Department.

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) who have patients diagnosed with depression have received an introductory letter to the program, along with a form to use to indicate which of their patients they would like to recommend for the Depression DM program.

For more information about this program, call the MVP QI Department

at 1-888-357-4687 (option 1), or the Preferred Care Behavioral Health Department,

Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm at (585) 258-8077.

Posted: January 9, 2007