As psychiatrists who have worked closely with Primary Care Providers (PCPs) for many years, we understand how many non-billable, time-consuming tasks are left up to the PCP to do. At BRIA, we are trying to decrease the amount of work for PCPs by streamlining the patient care and referral process. This includes:
- Requiring patients to self-refer to BRIA: Patients book the MINI Mental Health Assessment on their own, and are given an individualized Care Plan which may include recommendations for a more in-depth mental health or hormonal assessment. We have learned that some patients do not follow up with mental healthcare when it is initiated by their PCP, so we have created a process for them to initiate access to their own care. When the patient is self-motivated to get help, they are more likely to engage in support, and there is a reduction in appointment no-shows or cancellations.
- Sending the PCP an easy-to-complete referral form, when needed: If the patient requires a MAXI Mental Health Assessment which includes a psychiatric consultation, a pre-made, easily-fillable referral form will be sent to the PCP. This is meant to make it easier for the PCP (it essentially just requires a few tick boxes and the PCP information). Before the BRIA Care Coordinator faxes the referral form, she informs the patient that the PCP may ask them to book an appointment to complete the form.
- Providing follow-up to ensure the patient is getting better: Most psychiatry specialists provide a “one and done” model of care where they do one consultation and then send the patient back to the PCP to initiate and manage the suggested treatment plan. As part of the MAXI Mental Health Assessment, BRIA Psychiatrists provide 5 follow-up sessions (covered by provincial public healthcare plans). For the MEDI Health Assessment, we send the lab req directly to the patient, she checks her blood pressure at a local pharmacy, and she completes the MRS and other symptom scales on her own. We only ask the PCP to do routine screening that is recommended at that stage (eg. mammogram above 50 yrs. old). The BRIA gynaecologist will then provide an assessment, management plan, and short-term follow-up (covered by provincial public healthcare plans) to ensure the patient is on the right medical track, before sending her back to the PCP. Detailed consult notes for all BRIA assessments will be sent to the PCP.
- Offering wrap around care: BRIA has expert clinicians at each life stage, including psychiatrists, therapists, sleep consultants, and other allied health specialists. You only need to suggest one place to get all of your patients’ mental health needs met– and there is no waitlist!
At BRIA, we designed a system to make it easy to access comprehensive, specialized mental healthcare. Our goal is to collaborate with, and make things easier for the PCP. We welcome dialogue with all PCPs and are happy to answer any questions about the BRIA model of care. Please email us at hello@betterbria.com for more information.
