I asked for input last week from anyone who had experience with Wellpoint’s Maternity Depression program in California, where it was first rolled out, and wouldn’t you know it the call was answered. (I love the web!) Here’s what I heard:

I’ve been very disappointed in this program. None of my Blue Cross clients recall getting anything in the mail about PPD. When I’ve talked to the Blue Cross people they tell me there are over 80 Blue Cross providers in my area all qualified to treat PPD [Sidebar: Mmm hmmm, right. That’s ridiculous. I can guarantee you there are not 80 people in the area this person comes from who are qualified.] I spoke with one of the people in charge of the program. She gave me about 8 names in my area with "possible expertise". One is someone I know who has in fact received specialized training. I called her and two others. I got one call back. That woman had no training, and didn’t seem qualified to me. I haven’t taken the time to call the others on the list. I spoke with them about specific postpartum mood disorder training for Blue Cross providers, and finding a way to incentivize them to get training. She told me there was no funding for that. This is a case where, even if women do get their screening materials, there is no sound treatment available. "Talk to your doctor" often isn’t going to get women to the help they need. This program makes Blue Cross look like they care, but at least in my big city, there is no follow through.

I’m not surprised. Most insurance companies don’t recognize that postpartum mood disorders are unique illnesses and that providers really need specific education in this area. We talked about this a lot at the PSI conference. If you think students of psychiatry in our nation’s schools are getting a lot of education on PPMDs, you’re wrong (with a few exceptions). As many of us know, lots of providers will tell you they’re experts but you quickly learn they’re NOT. My insurance company sent me to someone who really had no business treating me. Many months later I switched to someone who had received specialized training in PPD and it was a much better experience. I experienced major improvement after switching providers. I hope Wellpoint will take further steps to refine who they are referring women to.