99484 Care management services for behavioral health conditions, at least 20 minutes of clinical staff time, directed by a physician or other qualified health care professional, per calendar month, with the following required elements: initial assessment or fol

Name of the Procedure:

Care Management Services for Behavioral Health Conditions

• Commonly known as Behavioral Health Care Management
• Technical term: Care management services for behavioral health conditions, at least 20 minutes of clinical staff time, directed by a physician or other qualified health care professional, per calendar month

Summary

Behavioral Health Care Management involves coordinating care for patients with mental health issues. This service ensures that patients receive continuous support and effective treatment plans guided by healthcare professionals. The care team spends at least 20 minutes each month managing and evaluating the patient's condition.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.
• Goals: To improve patient outcomes through coordinated care, ensuring effective communication and treatment adherence among healthcare providers and the patient.

Indications

• Symptoms such as chronic sadness, anxiety, mood swings, or post-traumatic stress.
• Patients who need ongoing mental health support and coordinated care.
• Individuals struggling with severe mental health conditions that interfere with daily functioning.

Preparation

• No specific preparation required from the patient.
• Initial assessments or diagnostic tests to identify the extent and nature of behavioral health conditions.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Conducted to understand the patient's mental health condition.
2. Care Plan Development: Creating a customized treatment plan that includes medication management, therapy sessions, and lifestyle modifications.
3. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins via phone calls, virtual meetings, or in-person visits to track the patient's progress.
4. Coordination: Communication with other healthcare providers to ensure cohesive care.
5. Documentation: Recording all interactions and adjustments in the patient’s care plan.

Tools and Equipment: Electronic health records (EHR), telehealth platforms, communication tools.

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

• Typically involves at least 20 minutes of clinical staff time per calendar month for each patient.

Setting

• Can be conducted in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community health centers, or remotely via telehealth platforms.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Physicians, clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, care coordinators.

Risks and Complications

• Risks: Minimal risks involved. Potential for inconsistent care if regular communication is not maintained.
• Complications: Miscommunication among healthcare team members or between the patient and care provider.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved management of mental health conditions, better patient adherence to treatment plans, reduced symptoms, and enhanced quality of life.
• Timeline: Benefits can be seen over several months with continued engagement and care.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular follow-up appointments; patients may need to adhere to medication and lifestyle recommendations.
• Recovery Time: Varies depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Traditional in-person therapy sessions, self-help groups, inpatient psychiatric care.
• Comparison: Behavioral health care management offers continuous support and relies on coordinated communication, unlike isolated treatments, which might not provide the same level of integration.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients can expect regular, supportive communication from their care team; minimal to no physical discomfort.
• After the Procedure: Patients may feel more supported and understood, with consistent guidance on managing their condition.
• Pain Management: Not typically necessary but emotional distress is managed through counseling and therapeutic strategies.