NNews-Spring-2022

26 A meriHealth New Jersey, a member of NJAMHAA’s Integrated Healthcare Council, focuses on achieving “365 health” with all of its members. “Behavioral and physical health go hand in hand, so we are trying to ensure whole-person care,” Medical Director Joseph Vizzoni, MD, stressed and shared several ways that AmeriHealth helps improve individuals’ mental health. “The days of worrying only about blood sugar or cholesterol are long gone. Depression and anxiety are common with physical conditions. Health coaches are reaching out to members with physical health conditions identified as needing additional support and conduct behavioral health screenings,” Dr. Vizzoni explained. In fact, AmeriHealth has access to two psychiatrists through its parent company, Independence Blue Cross. The company also works with Quartet, which provides a platform that connects individuals to mental healthcare providers and health maintenance organizations, tracks individuals’ progress and offers additional support when needed. “With Quartet, providers can make sure their patients are seeing mental health professionals,” Dr. Vizzoni noted. To further facilitate connections to mental healthcare and substance use treatment providers, AmeriHealth works with Magellan Health. “Magellan sets up behavioral healthcare appointments and provides tools for AmeriHealth to share with its members,” Dr. Vizzoni said. These resources include an online behavioral health toolkit, screening tools and educational materials. Dr. Vizzoni explained that the resources help people determine what to do when they are feeling depressed or anxious. “They also help providers by sharing the screening tool scores and ensuring they receive appropriate referrals,” he added. During the pandemic, AmeriHealth expanded its emotional support offerings regarding COVID. C lick here to view COVID-specific emotional-support resources and here to access resources for patient management. T o learn more about AmeriHealth New Jersey, please visit www. a merihealthnj.com. AmeriHealth Works with Providers to Provide “365 Health” Spring 2022 Behavioral and physical health go hand in hand, so we are trying to ensure whole-person care. - Joseph Vizzoni, MD Medical Director