Step 1: Confirm That the Denial Was Due to the Person’s Bleeding Disorder (BD) and Document the Explanation

If a facility informs you that your patient has been denied access to a behavioral health (BH) facility, ask them to explain the reason. Please note, there are many appropriate reasons that people are denied access to BH facilities that have nothing to do with BD. For example, no beds are available, the facility determined your patient does not need the level of care that they provide, or the facility determined that your patient is not yet ready for treatment (primarily for substance use disorder treatment). It is important to understand and document each facility’s explanation.

Suggested language:

• What are the specific reasons that you are denying this patient access to your facility? 

• Can you please send me a letter to document these reasons?

• What is it about the bleeding disorder that makes you feel you cannot provide treatment for this patient?

• Do you accept patients with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiac disease, etc.? If so, what makes bleeding disorders different?

Document the following information for each facility that denies access due to a BD:

1. Name, address, and phone number of the facility as well as the contact person. 

2. Specific reason(s) that the facility gave for denying access (potential reasons listed below): 

   • Bleeding disorders are too medically complex.

   • They are unable to manage the infusions/injections.

   • They do not allow needles in the facility.

   • An insurance issue related to BD medication.

   • An issue related to accessing medication at the specialty pharmacy.

3. Date that the denial occurred.