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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 TML North Allied Health Services on 6336 2433.
- The patient does not require a Mental Health Treatment Plan but if one has been prepared this too should be provided as it will provide valuable support information for our Mental Health Nurses.
Resources and Templates
Web Links
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