Windsor Medicare Extra Hosts Behavioral Health Symposium In Spartanburg

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Conferences
Article Date: 22 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Hundreds of mental health patients flood emergency rooms in South Carolina each year seeking care for their mental health conditions. The situation has become so dire that a legislative committee has been formed to advise the State's General Assembly on sorely needed solutions to this growing problem.

Help is coming from another source in leading change, including one of the nation's most uniquely designed Medicare special needs plans. Windsor Medicare Extra, a Medicare Advantage health plan, recently announced plans to host a mental health symposium in Spartanburg on October 29, 2008, that will explain how their integrated model of care is impacting the health care system in South Carolina.

The symposium will bring together nationally-recognized integrated care policy leaders to discuss emerging trends in treating those with mental health conditions in South Carolina. Windsor Medicare Extra is one of only two health plans in all of the United States contracted with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to provide special needs plans for Medicare beneficiaries with mental health conditions.

The symposium titled, Integrating Mental and Physical Health Services will also address recent changes in the Medicare system. The meeting is scheduled to last from noon until 3 p.m. at the Mary Black Conference Center at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas and is free to participants.

"Traditionally, patients with mental health conditions were treated solely for their mental condition by a mental health provider. We are fostering an environment of integrated treatment for both the mental and medical health and tracking the outcome of caring for both the body and the mind," said Jay Harrington, Ph.D., vice president of Special Needs Plans for Windsor Medicare Extra.

In addition to Harrington, distinguished speakers will include: Dennis Freeman, CEO of Cherokee Health Systems in Knoxville, Tenn.; Richard Petty, M.D., internationally recognized psychiatrist, professor and author of Healing, Meaning and Purpose; and Kristy Strain, Special Needs Plan Administrator for Windsor Medicare Extra.

"We have a unique opportunity to align two distinctive medical disciplines to benefit the patients. These are ground-breaking concepts that have the ability to impact the health care industry as a whole," said Michael Bailey, president and CEO of Windsor Medicare Extra.

Following lunch, the mental health and primary care presentations will be given. Social workers, medical providers, mental health practitioners, community service leaders and those involved with Medicare beneficiaries are welcomed to call 800-811-8482 today to reserve a seat for this informational luncheon.

To view a brief video about the symposium, please visit http://www.windsorhealthgroup.com/news.html and select the video link.

About Windsor Health Plan

Windsor Health Plan is wholly owned by Windsor Health Group Inc., a Nashville, Tennessee based managed healthcare company operating fully certified, licensed and contracted government sponsored health plans through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Windsor Health Plan offers 11 different plans including Windsor Rx, Windsor Medicare Extra and Special Needs Plans in 150 counties in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and South Carolina. Windsor also provides specialty managed care services to both the insurance and healthcare provider communities. For more information please visit http://www.WindsorExtra.com.

Windsor Health Plan