CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield will increase reimbursement rates for primary care providers who complete specialized mental health training.
Washington, D.C.-based Children's National will provide training focused on depression, suicide prevention, anxiety, ADHD and eating disorders to physicians in its clinically integrated network, according to a May 1 news release.
CareFirst will provide more than $6 million to support primary care practices across the network, according to the Washington Business Journal. Children's National will fund the training through philanthropic support, including $1.5 million from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the outlet reported.
Providers often face "limited resources and insufficient support in addressing pediatric mental health needs," Nathaniel Beers, MD, executive vice president for community and population health for Children's National Hospital, said in the release.
"CareFirst's commitment to increasing reimbursement for mental health care underscores the integral role of primary care providers in this space," Dr. Beers said. "With these trainings, our providers gain the knowledge, tools and confidence to handle sensitive conversations, offer vital support and make informed referrals when needed."