Pennsylvania’s Telephonic Psychiatric Consultation Service Program for CHIP Members

Highmark is excited to announce that Pennsylvania’s Telephonic Psychiatric Consultation Service (TiPS) for children insured by Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) is being expanded to include the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). TiPS is a Pennsylvania program designed to increase the availability of child psychiatry consultation teams regionally and telephonically to primary care providers (PCPs) and other prescribers of psychotropic medications.

Starting in 2022, this program will be available to Highmark CHIP providers. TiPS provides one team per HealthChoices/CHIP zone (shown below) and ensures access to quality services in the appropriate setting based on need. Modeled after the Massachusetts Medical School program, TiPS teams (child psychiatrists, licensed therapists, care coordinators, and administrative support), pediatricians, and family physicians can effectively meet the needs of youth with common mental health conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and mild depression.

TiPS also provides real time peer-to-peer resources to PCPs who desire immediate consultative advice for children (up to age 21) with behavioral health concerns. If the child needs specialty psychiatric care or has medication needs that are not appropriately managed in the primary care setting, TiPS teams can help connect him or her to appropriate care.

TiPS care coordinators identify and maintain up-to-date behavioral health resources in the community. They work with families to identify appropriate options, provide information on the expected wait times, follow up to ensure connections are made, and keep you informed of the referrals and the outcome of the follow-up efforts so you can ensure your patients are receiving the care they need.

IMPORTANT: TiPS psychiatrists do not prescribe medications.

Map

TiPS Team Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Penn State Children’s Hospital Children’s Community Pediatrics (CCP)
Zone(s):
Phone: 267-426-1776 800-233-4082 844-WPA-TiPS



 

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