As stated in the N.C. Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) Communication Bulletins #J098 and #J110, the state has determined that February 28, 2015, was the last day Mobile Crisis Management (MCM) providers could provide or bill MCM codes for services in hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, some MCM teams are contracting directly with hospitals to do crisis assessments and/or discharge planning. Other hospitals have made other arrangements for managing individuals who come to the ED in behavioral health crisis. 

This change, effective March 1, 2015, has changed the way that Smoky Mountain LME/MCO manages the referral process for state facility referrals (Broughton State Hospital (BSH) and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center/ADATC detox), and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) diversion processes. Effective March 1, staff in hospital EDs or the ED's contracted provider will complete the referral application paperwork for referrals to state facilities (ADATC detox, BSH or other state facilities) and for I/DD diversion exception referrals to Broughton and send through Smoky's Customer Services Department for LME/MCO approval and referral number. The process for ADATC rehabilitation does not change. Smoky's Customer Services, Crisis Coordination and Care Management departments will provide support and technical assistance to providers and hospitals during this transition. For more information visit our website and scroll down to Hospital Processes.

For additional questions, you may contact:

Meredith Comer, Crisis Coordination Director, 828-225-2785 ext. 5325

Karla Mensah, Sr. Director of Customer Services, 828-225-2785 ext. 5946

Ann Robinson, Crisis Coordinator, 828-225-2785 ext. 3327

Amy Seay, Crisis Coordinator, 828-225-2785 ext. 1238

Anne Garren, Crisis Coordinator, 828-225-2785 ext. 5309