Nov. 19, 2008
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Selects New Directions Behavioral Health as Utilization Management Partner
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the largest health insurer in Kansas serving more than 890,000 people, is entering a new business partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health, a full-service behavioral health organization based in the Kansas City area, according to Andrew C. Corbin, BCBSKS president/CEO. As of Jan. 1, 2009, New Directions will perform utilization management services for BCBSKS members to include preauthorization of inpatient admissions, concurrent stay renewals and review of outpatient treatment plans for biologically based diagnoses.
"New Directions has an outstanding, accredited utilization management program that also gives our members and providers access to review services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," Corbin said. "Our members will continue to use the BCBSKS contracting network for outpatient and inpatient services."
New Directions provides managed behavioral health care and employee assistance services to more than two million members nationwide. Now accredited by URAC for utilization management, the company first provided employee assistance programs (EAPs) beginning in 1978 and introduced behavioral health care carve-out services in 1995.
To assure continuity, New Directions is opening an office in Topeka and is expanding its staff. According to John Quick, president/CEO, New Directions has offered employment opportunities to many of the HMS/Value Options employees who have assisted BCBSKS members and providers for the past 15 years. In addition, many providers and members will continue to use the same toll-free telephone number.
"We are excited to begin the partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas,” Quick said. "We believe that Kansas health plan members will benefit from New Directions’ experience in providing innovative utilization management."
Corbin said the companies are striving for a smooth transition.
"I can assure all our members and providers that Blue Cross, New Directions and HMS/Value Options are working closely together to assure a smooth and seamless transition," Corbin said. "We appreciate the professionalism and hard work of the Value Options team during our partnership, but are excited about this new opportunity which will benefit our members and providers for years to come."
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSKS is the state's largest health insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte.
About New Directions
The mission of New Directions is to enhance the well-being of its clients and members through access to quality behavioral health care services, support and solutions. This mission drives its approach to service, which includes a unique focus on access to care, combining early identification strategies with proactive prevention and intervention services. With a reputation for clinical excellence and collaboration, New Directions seeks to use the full continuum of clinical resources available, and frequently works with local providers to augment the continuum of care.
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