Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center, Inc. d/b/a Axis Health System Notice of Data Event

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Axis is excited to announce a new update to our referral process and referral team. This change will improve care coordination and enhance the experience for our patients, providers, and community partners.

Expanding and Improving the Referral Process

The new referral process is all about efficiency and collaboration. By distinguishing external and internal referrals, this updated approach helps ensure the right resources are leveraged for each patient’s unique needs. Our talented team members are at the heart of our referral services. Here’s who they are and what they do:

  • External Referrals involve patients referred to or from outside specialty clinics.
  • Internal Referrals include referrals within Axis, providing seamless transitions between our services, such as primary care, behavioral health, and psychiatry.

External Referrals Team

Amber Anderson, Vanessa Waters, Antonia Chavez, and Mollie Rhodes work together to handle external referrals. Their key focus is supporting Axis primary care providers and ensuring patients are connected to specialty clinics like cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Working as a cohesive team has drastically reduced referral processing time to as fast as one to three days.

Incoming Referrals Team

Ellie Boroff and Mollie Rhodes manage incoming referrals from our valued community partners. These include referrals for Axis services like behavioral health, psychiatry, dental care, and primary care.

Higher Level of Care Discharge Planner

Riley Hearing is responsible for discharge planning for patients transitioning from higher levels of care back into the Axis. Riley works closely with facilities and partners to ensure smooth transitions, provides administrative support for programs like outpatient restoration, and ensures Medicaid patients are seen within seven days of discharge, all part of ensuring each patient can get what they need.

Utilization Authorization Case Manager

James Coppinger is the case manager for utilization authorizations. He focuses on reauthorizing services for internal referrals, especially for patients with Tri-West. By working with clinicians to handle the necessary paperwork, James ensures patients can continue receiving uninterrupted care.

Referral Supervisor

Lana Leyhe is Axis’ referral supervisor. Contact Lana with questions or opportunities to partner with Axis to enhance care coordination.

Key Updates You Need to Know

  • Referral Team Contact Information: Need help or have questions about a patient referral? Our referral team is here for you. Reach out directly at 970-335-2387 for assistance or send a referral here: Easily Submit Referrals at Axis Health System Online
  • Luma Text Messaging for Referral Updates: To improve communication with patients, we’ve implemented Luma text messaging, which updates patients on their referral status. This helps patients feel informed and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Our Referral Team is Here to Provide Support

If you need help or have questions about a patient referral, reach out directly at 970-335-2387 for assistance or email referrals@axishealthsystem.org