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Initiating Visit & Consent

This page clarifies initiating visit requirements and consent patterns for Collaborative Care (CoCM) in a partner-friendly, payer‑agnostic way.

Initiating Visit - What it is

  • A clinician visit that establishes the patient’s principal condition and initiates CoCM participation.
  • For Medicare, the initiating visit is typically furnished by the treating practitioner (e.g., PCP or qualified practitioner) and may occur in‑person or via telehealth per current rules.
  • The visit documents symptoms, establishes diagnoses, and sets the care plan framework that CoCM will support.

Who Performs the Initiating Visit

  • In most implementations, the partner’s treating practitioner (PCP/NP/PA) performs and documents the initiating visit within their existing workflow.
  • In some programs, Profound clinicians may perform the initiating visit under a separate arrangement; details are defined in your SOW.

Timing & Documentation

  • Complete prior to or concurrent with the first CoCM month.
  • Document: assessment, diagnoses, initial plan, and that CoCM will be provided.
  • Link the visit in monthly artifacts via encounter/claim references (for audit trail).
  • Obtain patient consent (verbal or written per payer), record timestamp and consent method.
  • Clarify cost‑sharing: standard payer cost‑sharing may apply (e.g., coinsurance for CoCM); partners advise based on payer mix.
  • Re‑confirm annually or per payer policy.

Practical Patterns

  • Warm handoff to BHCM can happen the same day if feasible; otherwise, schedule BHCM intake within 72 hours.
Last updated October 1, 2025 by Profound Health.
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