CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Antidepressant Medication Management
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry·Behavioral Health
Effective date
Dec 1, 2019
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBS RI updated their Antidepressant Medication Management (AMM) policy for behavioral health services. The policy emphasizes HEDIS quality measures requiring members 18+ with major depression to remain on antidepressant medication for at least 84 days (acute phase) and 180 days (continuation phase), with specific follow-up visit timing requirements.
Action Required
Providers treating members with major depression on antidepressants should schedule follow-up visits within 6 weeks maximum and ensure visits are frequent enough to optimize medication adherence. Document patient education about 2-4 week onset time and up to 8 weeks for full effectiveness to support HEDIS quality measure reporting.