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