Individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders frequently rely on multiple organizations and treatment professionals to provide their health care. Additionally, a significant number of people with serious medical conditions also have behavioral health conditions.

Effectively coordinating care between these treatment professionals can lead to improved health outcomes, result in reduced healthcare costs, and benefit practitioners by enhancing networking with other professionals.

To learn more download our Coordination of Care flyer.

Download a helpful Coordination of Care checklist.

Please be sure to have the member sign a release of information form. You may use your own form, or access the Optum Confidential Exchange of Information form.

Coordination of Care tips

At the initial session, discuss what coordination of care is and invite your patient to ask any questions they may have about the process
Engage and inform your patient about the importance and benefits of coordinating their care with other health care professionals
Document this exchange in the patient chart
Provide the appropriate assessment information to other treatment professionals, with the appropriate permissions and releases on file
Request that the other treating professional provide you with relevant clinical information including medical, mental health or substance use treatment they are providing
Document actions in the patient progress notes, including if the patient declined to allow coordination of care