Communications
Provider Announcements
Magellan's Provider Focus is our e-newsletter for providers. You'll find current articles and information relating to Magellan and our local service centers. You'll also find past issues of Provider Focus. Check back as a new issue of our newsletter is released each quarter.
Recent Communications
July 31, 2019: All Inclusive and Exclusive Contract Language
July 22, 2019: Modification to Approved Training on ASAM Criteria
Dec. 14, 2018: Provider Town Hall Webinar
June 26, 2018: Cambria County Provider Town Hall
Tobacco Dependence Treatment Training
Certified Peer Support Announcement
Certified Peer Support Certification Announcement
Certified Peer Support Grandparenting Application 3.1.18- 8.31.19
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
As the opioid epidemic and other substance usage continues to affect millions of lives in the United States, every treatment option should be taken into consideration to potentially save a life. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) offers protection against overdosing, prevents injection behaviors, reduces criminal behavior, and reduces overall drug utilization. Magellan has prepared a power point for providers outlining general concepts for this important treatment option consideration.
Provider Screening Tools
Magellan launched its screening programs to target individuals who may have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as a brief screening tool for depression. Magellan chose the following screening tools:
The Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener (GAIN-SS) | Short Screener Description
The Patient Health Questionnaire two-item scale (PHQ-2) | Questionnaire Description
The GAIN-SS is a brief five minute instrument designed to quickly and accurately screen general populations of both adults and adolescents to detect psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, or crime and violence problems. The screener helps identify those who would benefit from further assessment or referral for these issues, and also rules out those who do not have a behavioral health disorder.
The PHQ-2 consists of the first two items from the longer Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which consists of nine items that align with the DSM criteria for major depression. The PHQ-2 inquires about the frequency of depressed mood and loss of pleasure or interest over the past 2 weeks. Its purpose is not to establish a final diagnosis but to screen for depression as an initial approach. A PHQ-2 score ranges from 0-6, with recommendations for further screening with a PHQ-9 for anyone scoring a 3 and above.
Screening tool access
The screening tools are of use to identify any member suspected of possibly having a depressive disorder and/or individuals with a mental illness who could also potentially have a substance use disorder. It is recommended that these tools be utilized for every potential candidate on initial evaluation and at least on a quarterly basis.
Webinar access
Magellan created a provider webinar to teach providers about Magellan's screening tool program and how to utilize the tools selected. The webinar training covered the following:
- Purpose of the program
- Identify the targeted population for the tools
- Descriptions of the tools selected
- Benefits of using the screening tools
A Practitioner's Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support their LGBT Children
Compliance News
Magellan strives on being proactive and to use education as a preventative tool to provide our members the highest quality of care through you, the provider. The Quality Improvement and Compliance Departments at Magellan have committed to sending monthly e-mails to targeted providers on a Compliance related subject. Click here to view our Monthly Compliance Alerts.
Training/Webinar Alerts
- ABA Services Webinar Recording - April 2017
- ABA Services Webinar - Question & Answer - April 25, 2017
- ABA Services Overview - April 25, 2017
- Exploring ABA - April 10, 2018
Program Standards & Requirements (PS&R)
The full PS&R and appendices are available for reviewing on the DHS website.
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