All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
Encourage Follow-up Care after Hospital Visits for Mental Health
BCBS Montana·MT · Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine +1 more·General
Effective date
Feb 6, 2026
We identified it
Jun 18, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield Montana is encouraging providers to schedule mental health follow-up visits within 7-30 days after hospital or emergency department visits for mental illness. This policy focuses on improving HEDIS quality measures for mental health care coordination and does not change billing requirements, but emphasizes proper documentation and care coordination.
Action Required
Immediately: Providers should schedule mental health follow-up visits within 7 days of hospital/ED discharge when appropriate. Use mental illness diagnosis codes (not non-mental health codes) for follow-up visits to meet HEDIS measures. Coordinate care between behavioral health and primary care providers by sharing progress notes. Front desk staff should help reschedule cancelled mental health follow-up appointments promptly.