Is relationship problem an eligible condition for GP Mental Health Plan?
By Paul Soloviev
Key points:
- There is no direct guideline by Medicare on whether relationship problem qualifies for GP MHP.
- There are several sources that suggest that relationship problem is a recognised disorder and does qualify for GP MHP.
- The conditions classified as mental disorders for the purposes of GP MHP are informed by the World Health Organisation, 1996, Diagnostic and Management Guidelines for Mental Disorders in Primary Care: ICD-10 Chapter V Primary Care Version.
- Patients often state ‘relationship problem’ in cases of sexual disorders that do qualify for GP MHP
- Relationship disorder may be qualified as ‘Unspecified disorder’ until a more certain diagnosis is available.
- Insomnia is listed in ICD-10 Chapter V.
- Dementia, delirium, tobacco use disorder and mental retardation are not regarded as mental disorders for the purposes of the GP Mental Health Treatment items.
One of the doctors today asked me a question. There was a patient who asked to develop a GP Mental Health Plan and a referral to the psychologist for relationship problems. The patient stated that he/she did not suffer from any particular mental illness. However, admitted that there is a relationship issue that affects him/her so much that the referral to a psychologist was needed. Is this patient eligible for General Practitioner’s Mental Health Plan? READ MORE HERE