PP10       Title: A Collaborative Approach to Co-Existing Depression and Anxiety in Chronic Illness Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008 Time: 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Type: POSTER Level: BASIC Track: - Sponsor(s): - Speaker(s): Carol A. Durham; Mindy B. Legere Individuals with chronic medical illnesses demonstrate a higher prevalence of co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders and often experience complications from their medical illness that place them at greater risk for negative clinical outcomes.  The Co-Existing Depression and Anxiety Program (CODA) uses licensed Behavioral Health Clinicians to assess, educate, refer members to providers, and help coordinate appropriate treatment for these members while ensuring coordination of care between medical and behavioral health providers. Program members utilized 50% fewer intensive services, and engaged in medication-based treatment more frequently, than depressed individuals not enrolled in the program. These improvements suggest that the program was successful in facilitating effective treatment of this at-risk population.  Participants will: • Understand the impact of untreated depression and anxiety on co-morbid chronic medical conditions • Understand barriers to the recognition and treatment of depression and anxiety among members and health plan medical employees • Learn new creative techniques to engage our medical partners • Describe the nature of the interventions used in this program and the conditions under which the interventions were most successful • Review current program outcomes and success stories Objectives: Describe how depression and anxiety is a major health problem that should be diagnosed and treated.   Describe the impact of untreated depression and anxiety on co-morbid chronic medical conditions.   Describe or list barriers to the recognition and treatment of depression and anxiety among members.