LOCUS™ assessments seamlessly integrated into the UM workflow
LOCUS™ — the Level of Care Utilization System for Psychiatric and Addiction Services — is an assessment tool developed by the American Association for Community Psychiatry (AACP) that helps clinicians and payers apply consistent, fair and effective decision-making when determining the appropriate level of care and support services for individuals with behavioral health needs.
When assessments occur outside the utilization management (UM) workflow, inefficiencies and errors can arise. LOCUS™ Navigator embeds LOCUS directly into the InterQual® workflow, helping eliminate workarounds and support more efficient, consistent and accurate reviews.
Key features
Exclusive access to LOCUS within the UM workflow
Only Optum offers access to the LOCUS assessment within a UM workflow application through an exclusive partnership with the AACP and Deerfield Solutions, LLC.
LOCUS embedded within InterQual workflows
The LOCUS assessment is embedded within the existing InterQual® cloud solutions workflow to create a structured, interactive tool that helps streamline medical review. LOCUS Navigator also integrates with payers’ provider portals, which can help facilitate more efficient authorizations.
Standardized application aligned to regulatory requirements
LOCUS Navigator enables standardized, accurate application of the LOCUS tool to meet state‑mandated payer and provider review requirements. Developed in partnership with the AACP, Interrater Reliability (IRR) testing is included to promote consistent criteria application as required by NCQA, URAC and state regulations.
Standardized assessments and IRR analytics help reduce discrepancies, strengthen reviewer alignment and support accreditation needs.
Recommended AACP-developed training
To support accurate application of the LOCUS tool, clients should take advantage of the AACP-developed training that is available to license through the InterQual Learning Management System (LMS).
This training fulfills requirements for clients mandated by state regulations to receive training from the medical societies and allows organizations to have all their staff training within one LMS.
Key benefits
Efficiency and accuracy
Reduce administrative burden and streamline behavioral health medical reviews by embedding the LOCUS assessment directly into the UM workflow.
Consistency and alignment
Promote consistent application of LOCUS across reviewers with standardized workflows and IRR testing and analytics.
Compliance support
Many states now mandate the use of the LOCUS assessment to guide decision-making. LOCUS Navigator helps payers and providers comply with these increasing regulatory requirements.
Defensible decisions
Enable fair, effective and defensible behavioral health level‑of‑care decisions supported by validated assessment tools.
Industry insights
On-demand webinar
Explore the development of The ASAM Criteria® Fourth Edition and discover tools and programs available to support your transition.
Article
Explore how evidence-based tools like The ASAM Criteria® Navigator and InterQual® Substance Use Disorders Criteria are helping payers and providers efficiently and effectively navigate the complex substance use disorder landscape today.
Article
Learn what to look for in an AI healthcare partner — from clinical rigor to transparency — to support safe, effective implementation.
Complementary solutions
Software
Industry Content Navigator
Get structured industry content to support consistent application of third-party content and policies and improve review workflow.
Software
InterQual Criteria
Our comprehensive solution offers clinical decision support designed to strengthen patient outcomes and reinforce appropriate utilization.
Software
Site of Service
This data-driven and evidence-based solution provides in-workflow setting of care guidance for clinical procedures.
© 1997-2026, Deerfield Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The American Association for Community Psychiatry (A.A.C.P.) granted Deerfield Solutions, LLC, permission to use, incorporate, and create derivative works of Level of Care Utilization System for Psychiatric and Addiction Services. Use of this product requires a valid license with Deerfield Solutions, LLC.