Follow‑up care key after ER visit for mental health issues, substance use disorder

According to the National Committee for Quality Assurance, when a patient is discharged from an emergency room for mental health issues** or substance use disorder,** follow‑up visits with a doctor help to:

• Reduce medication errors.
• Improve mental and physical function.
• Increase compliance with follow-up instructions.
• Decrease substance use.
• Reduce repeat ER visits and hospital admissions.

Follow‑up care can be in the doctor’s office, online or by phone. To assist members in their recovery, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program^® offers additional services to support members:

• New Directions Behavioral Health — Mental health and substance use disorder case management
  Phone: 1‑800‑342‑5891
• Coordinated Care Program — Assistance in coordinating services to manage health conditions
  Phone: 1‑800‑775‑2583
• 24/7 Nurse Line — General questions about health issues, medications or where to go for care
  Phone: 1‑888‑258‑3432
  Online: www.fepblue.org/myblue
• Telehealth services — Members can speak to a behavioral health specialist or board-certified doctor
  Phone: 1‑855‑636‑1579
  Online: www.fepblue.org/telehealth
• Personal Health Record — Members with a MyBlue^® account can keep track of appointments and medications
  Online: www.fepblue.org/myblue
• Customer Service — Assistance to find a Preferred primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or other specialty provider and benefit information
  Phone: 1‑800‑482‑3600
  Online: vwww.fepblue.org/provider

New Directions is an independent company contracted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to perform mental health and substance us disorder case management services for FEP Service Benefit Plan members.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.