GLAS Update
GLAS provides a quick and easy referral pathway for GPs to Psychiatrists at Belmont Private Hospital for patients requiring a ‘one off’ Mental Health assessment and management plan under the Medicare Benefit Scheme Item 291. The program allows GPs to obtain an appointment, for their patients, within 1 to 2 weeks from ringing the coordinator of the GLAS program. The return of the assessment and management plan to both patient and GP within two weeks of appointment ensures that any changes to care of the patient can start as soon as possible, with the outcome being an overall improvement of mental health of the patient.
The GLAS program now includes appointments for women in the peri natal period
The peri natal period extends from conception up to 2 years postnatally. For some women this is a time when adjustment to the changes of pregnancy and parent hood may cause significant difficulty. Women may experience anxiety and depression for the first time. There are those patients who have a pre-existing mental illness or experienced mental health problems in previous peri natal periods, whose treatment plans may need to change if patient is planning a pregnancy or has become pregnant.
Most women have regular contact with their GPs during and after their pregnancy, this relationship provides a wonderful opportunity for the GP to notice changes in mood, coping ability, mental status and overall wellbeing. Knowing the patient so well gives the GP an opportunity to make a referral early if needed to a specialist psychiatrist to ensure that the treatment offered is the safest and best for mother and baby.
Three psychiatrists involved in the GLAS program have vast experience in Peri natal care, and support the need for women in this vulnerable group to have early access to assessment and management plans to ensure that the most positive outcome to mother, baby and family is achieved. If GPs have someone they wish to refer through GLAS they need only follow the same process in place, except identify the referral is for a patient in the peri natal period.
So please remember:
• One number to ring: 0400 751 497
• One person to speak to: the coordinator of GLAS
• State if patient is in the Peri natal period
• Answer the question for suitability of patient for referral
• Next available appointment time given, usually within the next 1-2 weeks from ringing
• Management plans returned within 14 days of patient seeing the specialist
For more information please see the GLAS Information Sheet