Chronic Disease Pledge Bright Spot: UPMC Health Plan Behavioral Health Coaching

September 13, 2024

Pittsburgh-based UPMC Health Plan is focusing its Chronic Disease Pledge commitments on reducing the incidence of diabetes in its population through an innovative behavioral health coaching program. This unique approach aims to improve health outcomes through behavior change. 

To specifically address diabetes risk factors, UPMC utilizes behavioral health coaching, which includes a clinical team consisting of licensed social workers, counselors and behavioral health nurses. These coaches serve multiple roles: educating patients about their condition, assisting with goal setting and supporting the development of self-management skills. Each session begins with a behavioral needs assessment using evidence-based screening tools to identify individuals’ needs. UPMC believes in behavioral health coaching as an effective strategy in building confidence and improving health behaviors and adherence to treatment. This helps the plan achieve better health outcomes and make strides in meeting its Chronic Disease Pledge goals. 

To increase member engagement, UPMC leverages the special relationship a patient has with his or her doctor and encourages clinicians to directly refer patients to the program and to include virtual options to enhance engagement.  

UPMC identified specific considerations that enrich the behavioral health coaching program. First, by focusing on how physical and behavioral health are related and emphasizing the importance of behavioral health screenings, they can work with members to improve overall physical health. Second, by focusing on clinical conditions while utilizing additional resources such as social workers, UPMC fills gaps in services and addresses drivers of health. Lastly, having a team of professionals who are building relationships in the community and interacting with partners fosters connectedness and empowers care, strengthening the behavioral health coaching programs for UPMC patients. 

UPMC Health Plan is committed to the ACHP Chronic Disease Pledge and to reducing the incidence of diabetes in its community. With these programs and acknowledgement of the challenges and considerations, UPMC is dedicated to its pledge commitments and strives towards gaining greater success in addressing risk factors, changing behavior and reducing diabetes for its members.