Over the past 12 months, the Utah Department of Health's Behavioral Pharmacy Management Program has reviewed Medicaid mental health pharmacy claims, looking for doses that are too high or too low, similar drugs prescribed for a patient by more than one doctor and forgotten refills.

Although overall treatment for mental health is on the rise, providers wrote 5 percent fewer mental health prescriptions for Medicaid patients who have been involved in the program.

When used incorrectly, mental health medications can lead to dangerous drug interactions and other problems.

"We don't want anyone to go without the medications they need," said Anna West, a spokeswoman with the health department.

"The program's goal is to get them the best quality care."

The health department is partnering with Comprehensive NeuroScience Inc. of White Plains, N.Y., and the Mental Health Association in Utah. Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co. provided all funding for the two-year project.

When the health department finds any areas of concern, workers alert health care providers and offer them a consultation to discuss prescribing practices.

"This allows providers to work with their patients to resolve any problems with the prescription and ensure that the patients receive the care they need," said Mack Gift, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Utah.

In January 2005, there were 174,000 Utahns on Medicaid, plus 62,000 adults and children in related programs.

Utah Medicaid is projected to spend $210 million on all prescriptions in fiscal year 2005.

Each month for the past 12 months, the prescription monitoring program reached more than 400 providers who see about 2,000 patients.

About 70 percent of those providers are treating children.

chamilton@sltrib.com