Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan launches at-home substance abuse treatment
DETROIT — Those seeking substance abuse treatment during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order will soon be able to receive it, thanks to a telehealth program from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
In a written statement on Wednesday, the insurance provider said it was collaborating with health care providers to repackage existing, evidence-based services into a virtual format.
“Our program meets people where they live," Dr. William Beecroft, medical director for behavioral health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, said. "We may find this approach could change the status quo for substance use disorder treatment in the future.”
The statement said telehealth treatment plans would vary by patient and provider, but could include:
- Initial medical assessment and vital signs check
- Multiple check-ins with doctors, nurses and social workers throughout the day
- Virtual group therapy
- Psychotherapy sessions
- Medication-assisted or facilitated treatment
- Online meetings provided by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
The program will use telehealth to deliver services traditionally provided by intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs.
The statement said the Department of Veteran Affairs had used telehealth to treat veterans with substance use disorders, especially in rural areas.
Providers participating in telehealth programs can be found by calling the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Cross Network Behavioral Health Services phone number on the back of your member ID card.
