BCBS TexasLow ImpactAdministrative

Encourage Follow-up Care after Hospital Visits for Mental Health

Published January 12, 2026Effective February 14, 2025

AI Summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas is encouraging providers to schedule mental health follow-up appointments within 7 days of hospital discharge or ED visits to improve patient outcomes and meet HEDIS quality measures. This is guidance for improving care coordination, not a billing requirement change.

Action Required

Immediately: Care coordinators and scheduling staff should prioritize scheduling mental health follow-up appointments within 7 days of hospital discharge or ED visits. Ensure follow-up visits use mental health diagnosis codes consistent with the original admission. Coordinate between behavioral health and primary care providers by sharing progress notes that include mental health diagnoses.

Plan Types

All Plans

States

TX

Specialties

psychiatry, emergency-medicine, hospitalist, family-medicine, internal-medicine