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Diabetes Education & Support Service | Psychological Services | Mental Health Nurse | Lifestyle Modification Program
General Practice North Allied Health Services offers a range of services from its Clinic on Level 4 at the QV Tower, 11 High Street, Launceston. The Clinic provides the administrative hub for services provided both in-house and at a range of rural sites across Northern Tasmania and offers patients referred to the service a single location to access the services currently offered by General Practice North.
These services include access to diabetes educators, dietitians, exercise physiologists and podatrist through the Primary Health Chronic Disease Demonstration Service (patients with non-complex Diabetes Type 2), Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses and Registered Nurse (Lifestyle Modification Program).
To contact our Allied Health Services Team
Phone: (03) 6331 3777 Fax: (03) 6331 0977 Email:
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Service Availability (as at 2 February 2010)
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Psychology Service
Conditions apply. Contact Allied Health Services for details.
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Referrals being taken. |
| Mental Health Nurse Initiative |
Referrals being taken |
Diabetes Demonstration Service
Service available for patients with non-complex Type 2 Diabetes. |
Referrals being taken |
Reset Your Life (Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Management Program)
Referrals are currently open to access our first program to be delivered in Launceston starting in early February 2010. Please contact Allied Health Services for further information. |
Referrals being taken |
More Allied Health Services - Dietitics
This service is available for eligible rural practices only and is for patients requiring non-diabetes dietetic consultations. |
Referrals being taken |
DIABETES EDUCATION & SUPPORT SERVICE (for patients with non-complex Type 2 Diabetes
A joint primary health care initiative provided by General Practice North and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Broad Allied Health Team Approach
A team of allied health professionals including Diabetes Educators, Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists, Podiatrist and Registered Nurse will provide assessment, education, support and early intervention for patients referred to the Service. This broad based, integrated approach to delivering GP support for patients is unique and allows for Team Care Arrangements to be delivered with less impact on GP time.
Urban and Rural Service Delivery
One of the features of the Service is that patients can be seen in both rural and urban locations. The service is centralised in Launceston at Level 4, Queen Victoria Tower, 11 High Street, Launceston. Management and administrative functions are located at this site. This modern clinic provides patients with a comfortable, relaxed venue where they have the opportunity to participate in one or multiple appointments organised to make the most of their valuable time and deliver the best possible health outcomes.
Teams of Allied Health staff provide clinics at a number of rural locations within the ‘63’ region of Northern and North Eastern Tasmania. To date clinics have been provided at Scottsdale, St. Marys, Georgetown and Deloraine. Dependent upon referral numbers other rural locations may be added. This initiative allows patients to receive a comprehensive assessment, education and treatment closer to where they work and live without the need to travel to Launceston.
What services are delivered?
A number of services have been developed to meet the needs of patients with non-complex Type 2 Diabetes in both terms of content and flexibility. The Service provides assessment, education, support and early intervention for patients referred to the Service by their GP. The service aims to improve:
- Patient’s understanding and knowledge of Diabetes
- Patient’s capacity for effective self-management
Clinical Outcomes
Depending upon the needs of the Patient, several clinical pathways have been structured. Each has been developed to address a particular scenario. Examples of pathways include those for patients that have been newly diagnosed, patients needing re-education and patients requiring education in relation to insulin initiation. All patients referred to the Service will undertake an initial assessment to determine their needs, suitability and selection for either group of individual sessions (or possibly a combination of the two). On completion, the patient will be discharged back to the GP with a full report in either electronic or hard copy format, depending on the GPs preference.
How much will it cost my patient?
The services provided to patients are funded from a number of sources, including Department of Health and Human Services program funds, EPC and MBS items, specific Department of Health and Ageing projects, DVA and Private Health Insurance. In addition patients will be charged a one-off non-refundable booking fee of $50.00 for each suite of services offered. In the case of a newly diagnosed patient this fee covers up to 15 allied health sessions. The fee compares very favourably with other similar services where fees of at least $50.00 per hour can be charged. It is critical for the success of the Demonstration Service that all funding sources are accessed. To support this comprehensive service, we request that GPs utilise all relevant MBS trigger items in the care of their patients.
How do I refer a patient?
Access to the Service is via GP referral only. GPs who have already been accessing EPC services from Allied Health providers have been completing a GP Management Plan (Item No 721) and a Team Care Arrangement (Item No 723) as well as the EPC referral form. A combined GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement form has been developed along with a combined referral form to reduce the impact on GP time.
Completion of a Team Care Arrangement and Allied Health Referral is a requirement for service. In addition, relevant and recent pathology results (HbA1C, serum biochemistry, serum lipids, urinary albumin) are required to enable dietitic and diabetes education plans to be developed.
Following the initial assessment, written feedback will be provided to the GP outlining the specific services and mode of service that are to be offered to the patient. Written feedback will also be provided whenever appropriate during service delivery, and on completion of the suite of services initially requested. This feedback will be provided in either electronic or hard copy format, depending on preference.
Resources and Templates
- GP Referral Form
- GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements Form
- GP - Information Brochure
- Patient - Information Brochure
Web Links
Further Information
General Practice North staff are available to visit your practice to provide additional information in relation to the service and answer any queries you may have. We would welcome you to visit the Allied Health Services Clinic in Launceston. To arrange a visit from a General Practice North staff member or an appointment to visit our site or if you simply require additional information please contact:
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, Manager – Allied Health Services, ph: 6331 3777.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
What services are delivered?
General Practice North Mental Health Services offers focused psychological strategies provided by a qualified Mental Health worker.
These services are provided through either the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) or Better Outcomes in Mental Health programs. The ATAPS program is directed to patients in rural areas, peri-natal patients or young people under 18 years old. Urban patients or those that fall outside of ATAPS categories can access services via the “Better Outcomes” program.
Patients are eligible to receive up to twelve sessions of treatment within a calendar year.
The aim of this treatment is to help the patient understand more about their mental disorder and to learn strategies to manage the difficulties they are experiencing.
A session involving focussed psychological strategies can be one-on-one or in a group.
Patient Eligibility?
General Practice North Mental Health Services are available for people with an assessed mental disorder that is being managed by a GP under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. The GP must be firmly of the view that the patient will benefit from short-term therapy (maximum 12 sessions). The patient must indicate a clear motivation to undergo therapy aimed at helping them develop strategies to overcome their difficulties.
Priority Conditions
The following presenting issues will be considered a priority and seen as soon as practicable:·
- Post or Peri-Natal Depression
- Recent Grief
- Recent traumatic incident/experience
- Emerging Mental Health Disorders
Criteria for patient exclusion
- Clients who are eligible to access an alternative funding source (such as Work Cover, Motor Accidents Insurance Board, Victims of Crime)
- The patient has a primary diagnosis of a Personality Disorder unless there is a specific treatable component such as anxiety, phobia etc.
- The patient has received significant psychological interventions for this condition in the last 12 months
- If the client requires medico-legal reporting or has been ordered by the court to attend counselling.
- Those with a primary drug and alcohol problem or those who are more suited to an alternative support agency (i.e. Laurel House, Relationships Australia).
- Where there is the possibility that there may be an organic foundation to the presenting issue, i.e., cerebral tumour.
- Those who are living in a nursing home or unable to attend the local venue for an appointment. (NOTE: In some circumstances this may be waivered – for example for a client who has agoraphobia)
- Clients who are at high risk, in crisis, such as those expressing active suicidal intent and/or at risk of harming others. This would include clients who are currently being managed by State Mental Health Services, such as those with an unstable psychosis
- Those with a severe Eating Disorder that requires medical management.·
- As per the Medicare requirements for the completion of a Mental Health Care Plan – those who are ineligible are: those seeking support for smoking cessation, those who have a primary issue of mental retardation or those with dementia or delirium.
How much will it cost my patient?
For both the ATAPS and Better Outcomes programs there are no out of pocket expenses to patients.
How do I refer a patient?
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (Item No 2710 or 2702) is a requirement for referral into the service.
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan involves the GP assessing the patient, identifying needs, setting and agreeing management goals, identifying any action to be taken by the patient, selecting appropriate treatment options and arrangements for ongoing management of the patient, and documenting this in the plan.
The GP Mental Health Treatment Plan should be faxed to GP North Allied Health Services on (03) 6331 0977.
Wait list management
Our Mental Health Service is often oversubscribed. This can sometimes result in a waiting period before a patient will be seen by a Mental Health Worker. General Practice North Mental Health Services makes every effort to minimise any wait period. If this is of concern GPs are advised to contact the service to ascertain the current possible wait period and discuss alternate options for patient care were necessary.
Resources and Templates
- GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (pdf)
- GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (Downloadable MD template)
- Patient Brochure
Useful Contacts:
| Community Mental Health Team |
6336 2185 |
| Lifeline |
13 1114 |
| Lifelink Samaritans |
6331 3355 or 1300 364 566 |
| Mental Health Services Helpline |
1800 332 388 |
| Kids Helpline |
1800 55 1800 |
| Mensline |
1300 789 978 |
| Headspace |
6336 4480 (for youth) |
Web Links
MENTAL HEALTH NURSE
Background
The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program provides a non-MBS incentive payment to community based general practices, private psychiatrist services and other appropriate organisations (such as divisions of general practice) that engage or retain mental health nurses to assist in the provision of coordinated clinical care for people with severe mental disorders in the community. Under this program, the Division employs two experienced mental health nurses.
What services are delivered?
This program supports general practice by giving patients with severe mental disorders access to ongoing clinical care. Care is provided in the community setting by an experienced mental health nurse, who works in collaboration with the GP. In our region General Practice North employs 2 mental health nurses. Through this program, patients can access case management services, following the public health service. There is no limit to the length of service, which allows the nurse to be involved in longer term care and planning with the patient. For GPs who identify unmet needs in their mental health patients the mental health nurse is able to provide psychosocial support to patients in their home environment.
Our experienced mental health nurses :-
- develop a therapeutic relationship with patients
- provide services within clinics, home and social environments
- have a breadth of resource knowledge, psycho-education, therapy and counselling skills to offer to the patient and their family and/or friends
- assist patients to identify early warning signs of their illness and times of vulnerability to illness
- work with the patient to develop a relapse prevention plan
- support the patient and their family and/or carers in managing their illness
- help to prevent hospitalisation by forging clinical support links for the patient and identifying stressors early
- develop working relationships with local mental health team
- provide advocacy and support for the patient throughout the term of the treatment partnership
Patient Eligibility
The patient must meet all of the following requirements:
- The patient must have a diagnosed mental disorder
- The diagnosed disorder causes the patient significant disablement (personally/ socially/ functionally)
- The patient has been hospitalised or is at risk of hospitalisation
- The person will require continuing treatment/management over a prolonged period (up to 2 years)
- The GP always remains principally responsible for the patient’s clinical Mental Health Care
IMPORTANT: A person who is under the care of public mental health services is not eligible for this service.
How much will it cost my patient?
Assess to this service is by GP referral only. There is no cost to your patient.
How do I refer a patient?
- Referral can be made by utilising the Mental Health Nurse Services Referral form.
- Once completed the form should be faxed to General Practice North Allied Health Services on 6331 0977.
- The patient does not require a Mental Health Treatment Plan but if one has been prepared this to should be provided as it will provide valuable support information for our Mental Health Nurses.
Resources and Templates
- GP Mental Health Nurse Referral (pdf)
- GP Mental Health Nurse Referral (downloadable MD template)
- Patient Brochure - Mental Health Nurse
Web Links
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION PROGRAM
Introduction
In a major health prevention initiative targeting Type 2 Diabetes, the Commonwealth Government has developed Lifestyle Modification Programs (LMP) for people aged 40 – 49 years and ATSI patients aged 15 – 54 years who are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. International evidence has shown that intensive lifestyle interventions in high risk patients can reduce the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes by up to 58%.
Background Information
In April 2007 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a cost shared package of over $200 million to address the significant growth of Type 2 Diabetes. The resulting “Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program” has two main arms:
- The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation Health Assessment for people aged 40-49 years. The GP may select MBS Item 701 (brief), 703 (standard), 705 (long) or 707 (prolonged) to undertake the type 2 diabetes risk evaluation depending on the length of the consultation as determined by the complexity of the patient’s presentation. (MBS Item 715 may be used for ATSI patients)
- The development of a national program of Lifestyle Modification Programs (LMP) targeting people aged 40-49 who are identified as at high risk of developing diabetes. These programs may be referred to as “Reset Your Life”.
Health Assessment for people aged 40-49 years with high risk of developing type 2 diabetes: the aim of this assessment is to support GPs to address the health needs of patients 40-49 years who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It provides GPs with the opportunity to review patient’s risk factors and initiate early interventions such as referral to the subsidised LMPs to reduce the risk or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in eligible patients. Risk status will be determined by the results of the patient completing the Australian Diabetes Risk Assessment (AUSDRISK) tool.
The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK): the AUSDRISK tool has been developed by the International Diabetes Institute (IDI) and has been adapted for the Australian clinical setting using AUSDIAB data. The tool provides a basis for both health professionals and patients to assess the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over a 5 year period. The completion of the AUSDRISK tool and a high score (12 or above) will be mandatory for the patient to access this health assessment. It may be completed by the patient or with the assistance of a health professional or practice staff.
Key Messages for your Practice
- All patients aged 40-49 years and ATSI patients aged 15-54 years who are assessed to be at high risk for developing diabetes are eligible to attend a LMP
- Completion of the AUSDRISK tool is mandatory for all patients accessing LMPs through any of the relevant MBS Item numbers
- This program focuses on the prevention of diabetes, and does not target patients who have already been diagnosed with diabetes
"Reset your Life" Lifestyle Modification Program
The nationally accredited Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP), “Reset Your Life”, aims to reduce the risk or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in participants. The LMP is an integral component of the broader National Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Program.
Patient Eligibility
The program is available through referral from a GP. Patients are eligible for the subsidised program if they:
- Are aged 40-49 years inclusive (15-54 years for ATSI)
- Have been assessed as high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (i.e. a score of 12 or greater on AUSDRISK)
- Have had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes excluded
- Have not previously been subsidised for an LMP
- Have provided consent for de-identified patient information to be passed on to the Divisions of General Practice network as indicated on the GP referral form for program monitoring and evaluation
Program Structure
The program consists of a series of group educational and motivational sessions supporting lifestyle and behavioural changes and adoption of healthy lifestyle choices in participants. Group size is limited to 15 participants. The program runs over a six month period. Participants attend seven sessions on the following topics:
- The risks of diabetes and their relationship to lifestyle factors
- The importance of regular diabetes screening
- Nutrition advice and education
- Physical activity advice and education
- Behavioural strategies to support the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle changes including goal setting
- Smoking cessation and alcohol reduction advice if required
- Information about community resources to provide support in maintaining lifestyle change
Cost of Program
If the participant is eligible for the subsidised program, there is a one off co-payment of $50 to cover administration costs. There is no charge for pension or concession card holders (co-payment subsidised, please indicate concession status on GP referral form). If the practice identifies a patient who may benefit from participating in the program but does not fit the eligibility criteria, contact GP North Allied Health Services for further information. There may be potential for private health fund rebates.
Enrolment in the Program
General Practice North acts as the referral gateway for patients enrolling in an LMP program. The patient is referred by their usual GP through the MBS Health Assessment Items (701, 703, 705 or 707). The GP completes LMP GP Referral Form and faxes both the form and a copy of the AUSDRISK tool to Allied Health Services at General Practice North on 6331 0977. The patient will be contacted by the LMP provider at the Division regarding the start date for the program.
Resources and Templates
Practice Information
Resources
Lifestyle Modification Programs (LMPs)
Templates
Links
Contact
| Name: |
General Practice North Allied Health Services |
| Address: |
QV Tower, Level 4, 11 High Street, Launceston |
| Email: |
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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| Phone: |
(03) 6331 3777 |
| Fax: |
(03) 6331 0977 |
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