August 2018
The Importance of Prenatal Care Screening for Domestic Violence and Substance Use
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, millions of women experience domestic violence, which is most prevalent among women of reproductive age. Also, alcohol and other substance-use disorders are often underdiagnosed in women, regardless of age, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. As such, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend all women seeking prenatal care be screened for a substance use disorder and domestic violence.
Substance Abuse
If you believe a patient has a problem with substance abuse, we strongly urge you to coordinate medical care with behavioral health treatment. The resources below can help you determine the appropriate treatment.
- Magellan HealthcareSM: Medical Providers' Behavioral Health Toolkit
- Texas Health and Human Services: Resources and screening tools
Domestic Violence
Similarly, if believe a patient may be in danger of domestic abuse, refer to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screenings.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) contracts with Magellan Behavioral Health, Inc. (“Magellan”), an independent company, to administer BCBSTX’s managed mental health program.