DHC and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield® of NJ Team Up to Provide Mental-Physical Pilot Program for Crohn’s Disease

Digestive Healthcare Center (DHC) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ)—together with Beacon Health Options (Beacon)—are launching a new and innovative pilot program that integrates mental and physical treatments in order to improve care for patients with Crohn’s disease.

This is the first time Horizon BCBSNJ—the state’s largest insurance provider with over 3.8 million customers—has incorporated a mental health component into one of its “Episodes of Care” programs.

“Bringing a behavioral health component into this episode can help us understand how to improve care for the whole person, which can ultimately enhance the patient experience, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs,” said Lilli Brillstein, Director, Episodes of Care.

As part of this pilot program, behavioral health professionals from Beacon will train the staff at DHC. Training will consist of how to conduct mental health screenings and follow-up care referrals when applicable. Patient assessments will look for physical symptoms associated with Crohn’s, as well as for mental health issues that may or may not be related to the disorder. Coordinated care among nurses, physicians, laboratory services and any outpatient programs (including counseling or other treatments for emotional issues) will also be instrumental to this initiative.

Click here to read more about this pioneering program.

Make an Appointment for Comprehensive Digestive Care in NJ

At Digestive Healthcare Center, we want each patient at our three offices in New Jersey to feel confident about their digestive health. We encourage you to contact us today to make an appointment with one of our expert gastroenterologists – don’t wait to start putting your digestive health first!

Recent Blogs

Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.

Diverticular disease 2
July 13, 2023
Diverticular Disease & Diverticulitis: What You Need to Know

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related digestive health conditions that affect the large intestine (colon). With diverticular disease, small, bulging pockets develop on the lining of the colon. When these pockets become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. They are very common – especially after age 40 – and rarely cause problems. At […]

National Nutrition Month
March 20, 2023
March 2023 is National Nutrition Month

Many Americans like to set New Year’s resolutions to make positive lifestyle changes such as improving their diet and going to the gym. However, March is also a great time for a healthy focus, especially as the long winter season comes to an end. National Nutrition Month, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, […]

Gallbladder
March 14, 2023
Gallstones: Should I Get Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. It holds a digestive fluid called bile that’s released into your small intestine. Gallstones are pebble-like pieces of concentrated bile material, typically made up of cholesterol or bilirubin […]