Difference between revisions of "Neuropsychiatry Trainee Guide"

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Welcome to BWH Neuropsychiatry! We look forward to working with you.
 
Welcome to BWH Neuropsychiatry! We look forward to working with you.
  
This document outlines the most important logistical aspects of our clinical operations. In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Baslet or ask your clinic supervisor(s).
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This document outlines the most important logistical aspects of our clinical operations. In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your clinic supervisor(s).
  
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== Who we are ==
  
== Who are we? ==
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Our Neuropsychiatry division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital includes several neuropsychiatrists. We are one of the core components of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine (CBMM). You will work with one primary supervisor per clinic session (4-hour clinic block). Due to cross-coverage, you will likely interact with most of us at some point. We are:
  
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'''David Silbersweig, MD'''
  
Our Neuropsychiatry Division consists of 7 neuropsychiatrists on staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. We are one the core components of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine (CBMM). You will be working with one or two primary supervisors per clinic session (4-hour clinic block). Due to cross-coverage, you will likely interact with most of us at some point. We are:
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'''Jessica Harder, MD'''
  
'''Gaston Baslet, M.D.'''  
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'''Juan Carlos Urizar, MD''' (Geriatric Neuropsychiatry)
  
'''Jessica Harder, M.D.'''  
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'''Stanley Lyndon, MD'''  
  
'''Stanley Lyndon, M.D.'''  
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'''Irene Gonsalvez, MD'''
  
'''Geoffrey Raynor, M.D.'''  
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'''Joseph Taylor, MD''' (TMS)
  
'''Shan Siddiqi, M.D.'''
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'''Shan H Siddiqi, MD, MBBS'''
  
'''Joseph Taylor, M.D.'''
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'''Rishab Gupta, MD'''
  
'''Juan Carlos Urizar, M.D.''' (geriatric neuropsychiatry)
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'''Nathan Praschan, MD, MPH'''
  
There are other neuropsychiatrists affiliated to CBMM that you will meet during rounds (Dr. Barry Fogel, Dr. Barbara Schildkrout, and others) that you will have the opportunity to learn from and consult with.
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'''Jacob Weiss, MD'''
We also have two social workers in Neuropsychiatry and you may reach out to them with clear short-term psychotherapy referrals. [[#Overview of Neuropsychiatry Social Work|See below]] for an overview of the services provided by neuropsychiatry social workers. You and your supervisor should discuss if a referral to Social Work is appropriate. Our two neuropsychiatry social workers are:
 
  
'''Margaret Latawiec, L.I.C.S.W.'''
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'''Marie Esther Emmanuel, CNP'''
  
'''Laura Morrissey, L.I.C.S.W.'''
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There are other neuropsychiatrists and clinicians affiliated with CBMM whom you will meet during rounds (such as Dr. Barry Fogel, Dr. Barbara Schildkrout, and others). You will have the opportunity to learn from them and consult with them as well.
  
We also have access to a Community Health Worker (CHW) team that provides brief assistance around specific case management needs (ie, housing, food insecurity, etc) and help providing community referrals for mental health treatment (ie, need to establish psychotherapy with a provider in the community). [[#Overview of Community Health Worker (CHW) Role at BPS|See below]] for an overview of the services provided by the community health worker.
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We also have two social workers in Neuropsychiatry whom you may reach out to for clear, issue-focused, short-term psychotherapy referrals. Please refer to the section below for an overview of the services provided by neuropsychiatry social workers. You and your supervisor should discuss if a referral to Social Work is appropriate. Our two neuropsychiatry social workers are:
  
== Clinical Operations ==
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'''Margaret Latawiec, MSW, LICSW'''
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'''Judy Burrows, MSW, LICSW'''
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We also have access to a Community Health Worker (CHW), '''Debra Aponte''', who can provide brief assistance (1-3 sessions) for specific case management needs such as housing and food insecurity, or help with community referrals for mental health treatment, such as establishing psychotherapy with a provider in the community. The CHW may work longitudinally with patients to reduce barriers that affect health outcomes and help navigate the healthcare system. Please refer to the section below for an overview of the services provided by the community health worker.
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'''Lorna Campbell, MSW, LICSW''', serves as the Social Work Program Director for Brigham Psychiatric Specialties (BPS), which includes Neuropsychiatry.
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== CBMM Educational Activities ==
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'''Please refer to [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/EYGfumwhJxNKkbetQ8-6vVsB6VqLKym5NpfqBWIZKtRfrw?e=feec3d this document] for Zoom links to the meetings mentioned below.'''
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* Trainees are expected to attend multidisciplinary CBMM clinical teaching rounds as per their pre-arranged schedule. These rounds occur on Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, conducted via Zoom or hybrid format once a month (usually on the first Wednesday - room location announced via email the preceding week). Each week, trainees are required to present one new case during rounds, focusing on cognitive neurology and neuropsychiatry cases, with presentations limited to 6 minutes. Please inform Kirk Daffner and Stanley Lyndon via email before rounds regarding the case you wish to present during CBMM rounds.
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* Management rounds are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month for 30 minutes during CBMM rounds. This time is designated for presentations that address specific clinical management questions. Please inform Stanley Lyndon and Nathan Praschan via email before rounds regarding the case you wish to present during management rounds. We encourage trainees presenting cases also followed by another CBMM clinician to notify them in advance for additional input.
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* Tuesday evening supervision (5-6 pm) offers in-depth discussions on topics related to Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, conducted via Zoom and in hybrid format once a month.
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* CBMM Journal Club convenes on Wednesdays from 12-1 pm immediately following clinical teaching rounds, at the same virtual or on-site location.
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'''Other educational meetings of interest to trainees include:'''
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- Brain Circuit Therapeutics Training Program (led by Shan Siddiqi), weekly on Thursdays at 1 pm via Zoom. This program does not run during the summer months.
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- MGB Psychiatry Grand Rounds, Thursdays 12-1 pm. Weekly emails provide the topic and location/Zoom link.
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- MGB Neurology Grand Rounds, Thursdays 9-10 am. Weekly emails provide the topic and location/Zoom link.
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'''Trainees may also wish to attend various relevant clinical meetings. Please notify the respective attendings below if interested in attending:'''
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- Functional Neurological Disorders Team Meeting (Gonsalvez, Lyndon, Praschan), Mondays 11-12 am via Zoom.
  
Our on-site clinical operations take place at the BWH Hale Building, Clinical Neurosciences Center, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, first floor. Support staff at the clinic will help with requests related to the encounters that take place during your clinic time. This includes: check-in at the front desk, vitals and med reconciliation by medical assistants, and check out at the check-out desk. The check-out staff can assist with setting up a follow-up appointment and with referrals for tests and other specialists (provided that an order in Epic is in place).
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- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia (Urizar), 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1-2 pm via Zoom
  
Assistance for anything that happens outside of your on-site clinic time (including requests related to virtual visits) is handled by Brigham Psychiatric Specialties (BPS) Call Center support staff (physically located at 221 Longwood Ave). This includes managing phone calls from patients, making changes to your schedules, sending documents, etc. '''You will be assigned one primary support staff person.'''
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- Plaque and Tangle Committee for Anti-amyloid Therapy (Daffner, Erkkinen, Praschan), Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 am via Zoom.
  
As of July 1, 2021, all trainee clinics will take place physically at 60 Fenwood Road. New patients will be encouraged to schedule an in-person visit (patients may refuse). Follow-ups may be scheduled virtually, if deemed clinically appropriate, and if the patient will be physically in the state of Massachusetts. Every virtual clinical encounter should start by inquiring the patient about their physical location to ensure they are in Massachusetts (if located outside of Mass, a clinical encounter cannot take place, although emergency care can be provided over the phone as clinically indicated).  
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- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgical Conference (Green, Lyndon, Praschan), every other Wednesday 4-5 pm via Zoom.
  
'''Maria T. Pires''' is the practice manager for BPS. For administrative requests specific to a patient (ie, move a patient appointment sooner, sending documents), you should contact your assigned primary support person. For medication-related issues (ie, completing prior authorization forms, getting information from pharmacies), the Psychiatry medical assistants could help. Click here for their names and phone numbers. Maria T. Pires should be included in messages related to changes in your schedule. Please ask your supervisors any questions on who the best person to contact is if you have questions. Any clinical requests should go through Epic’s In-Basket messaging system.  
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- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Weekly Rounds (Taylor, Lyndon, Gonsalvez), every Tuesday 12-1 pm in-person/hybrid.
  
New patients are scheduled through our '''BWH Psychiatry Triage team''' (part of BPS Call Center). They may reach out to you with questions about new patients (such as which records you may want to receive beforehand). If asked, always check with your attending supervisor before accepting a new patient.  
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- Epilepsy Surgical Conference (Barbara Dworetzky, Daniel Weisholtz), every Thursday 1-2 pm in-person/hybrid.
  
As a general rule, NEW patients (not previously seen in Neuropsychiatry) are always evaluated on a '''consultation''' basis (without expectation of treatment). If a new patient has established providers at BWH (such as PCP or neurological care), we may be able to offer treatment in our service. If a new patient does not have an established provider at BWH, we can only offer a one-time (or a two-time) consultation and referral back to the referring provider with recommendations (with very few exceptions; for instance, if a program already exists that offers a very limited form of treatment, such as short-term psychotherapy for FND).
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== Clinical Operations ==
  
[[#BPS Support Staff Phone Numners|All staff listed in this guide, and the support staff assigned to you]], are reachable through MGB email. The clinic phone number is '''617-732-6753'''; the clinic fax number is '''617-738-8703'''. These are the numbers that should be given to patients to contact you. For electronic communication with patients, offer patients to use Patient Gateway / My Chart (and advise patients that there is an expected 48 business hour delay for a message to get to you). Do not communicate with patients via email as it is not part of their medical record.
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Most of our on-site clinical operations take place at the BWH Hale Building, Clinical Neurosciences Center, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, first floor. We also have Neuropsychiatry services at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Support staff at the clinic will assist with requests related to encounters during your clinic time for on-site patients. This includes: check-in at the front desk, vitals and medication reconciliation by medical assistants, and check-out at the desk. The check-out staff can help set up follow-up appointments and make referrals for tests and other specialists (provided that an order in Epic is in place).
  
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Assistance for anything outside of your on-site clinic time (including requests related to virtual visits) is handled by Brigham Psychiatric Specialties (BPS) Call Center support staff (physically located at 221 Longwood Ave). This includes managing patient phone calls, scheduling changes, and document sending. '''You will be assigned one primary support staff person.'''
  
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All trainee clinics physically take place at BWH Hale Building, 60 Fenwood Road, or BWFH, 1153 Centre St. New patients will be encouraged to schedule an in-person visit (patients may refuse). Follow-ups may be scheduled virtually if clinically appropriate and if the patient will be physically in the state of Massachusetts. Every virtual clinical encounter should start by confirming the patient's physical location to ensure they are in Massachusetts (if located outside of Mass, a clinical encounter cannot take place, although emergency care can be provided over the phone as clinically indicated).
  
'''CBMM Educational Activities'''
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'''Maria T. Pires''' is the practice manager for BPS. For administrative requests specific to a patient (e.g., rescheduling appointments, sending documents), contact your assigned primary support person. For medication-related issues (e.g., completing prior authorization forms, obtaining pharmacy information), Psychiatry medical assistants can assist. [[#BPS Support Staff Phone Numbers|Click here]] for their names and phone numbers. Messages concerning schedule changes should include Maria T. Pires and Karina Rosario. Please consult your supervisors for any questions about contacting the appropriate person. All clinical requests should be directed through Epic’s In-Basket messaging system.
  
Trainees are expected to attend multidisciplinary CBMM clinical teaching rounds according to their pre-arranged schedule (Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm via Zoom '''https://partners.zoom.us/j/816006172''' or at Hale building, 60 Fenwood Road, 2nd floor, room VTC 2006B). There is an expectation that trainees will present one new case each week during rounds (limited to 6 minutes per presentation).  
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New patients are scheduled through our '''BWH Psychiatry Triage team''' (part of BPS Call Center). They may contact you regarding new patient queries (e.g., records you may need beforehand). Always consult your attending supervisor before accepting a new patient.
  
On the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, we hold Neuropsychiatry management rounds from 11:30 to 12 (during the last portion of CBMM rounds). This time is reserved for presentations that pose a specific clinical management question. You should alert Dr. Baslet before rounds (via email) on the case you would like to present during Neuropsychiatry management rounds.  
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As a general rule, NEW patients (not previously seen in Neuropsychiatry) are evaluated on a '''consultation''' basis (without expectation of treatment). If a new patient has established providers at BWH (e.g., PCP or ongoing neurological care requiring frequent visits), we may offer treatment within our service. For patients without established providers at BWH, we can only offer a one-time consultation and referral back to the referring provider with recommendations (with very few exceptions, e.g., existing programs offering limited forms of treatment such as short-term psychotherapy for FND).
  
Tuesday evening supervision (5-6 pm) provides a more intimate discussion of topics related to Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry. These sessions are currently held via Zoom '''https://partners.zoom.us/j/195398040'''.
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[[#BPS Support Staff Phone Numbers|All staff listed in this guide, and the support staff assigned to you]] are reachable via MGB email. The clinic phone number is '''617-732-6753''', and the clinic fax number is '''617-738-8703'''. Provide these numbers to patients for contacting you. For electronic communication, patients should use Patient Gateway / My Chart (advising a 48-hour delay for messages). Avoid patient communication via email as it is not part of their medical record.
  
BWH Psychiatry Grand Rounds take place September-June on Thursdays from 12 to 1 pm and an email is sent each week on the topic and the link.
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A comprehensive description of Brigham Psychiatric Services is available in the [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/BWHAmbulatoryPsychiatryAll-StaffTeam/Shared%20Documents/Guidebook%20to%20BPS%20Policies%20and%20Procedures/BPS%20Handbook%20of%20Policies.docx?d=w1241f4c79f1043c9a531e8deb7ca1fb6&csf=1&web=1&e=qlvK8u BPS Handbook].
  
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'''Holiday Calendar'''
  
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Link to the hospital holiday calendar: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/human-resources/bwh-holiday-calendar
  
 
'''Time off'''
 
'''Time off'''
  
If you plan time off (vacation or education-related), please complete the following request form:
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If planning time off (vacation or education-related), complete the [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0JCJp-ANjwvgRSPkdEMD5p9F9uW1L8H9T70-OrutJXfRZnw/viewform request form]. Inform the fellowship directors, your clinic supervisors (for the dates you will be away), and Maria T. Pires via email as soon as the dates are known. Prompt information minimises patient rescheduling. Requests should be submitted at least one month in advance.
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For Neuropsychiatry Clinic absences due to illness, promptly inform your supervisor and email '''bpspsychout@PARTNERS.ORG''' to reschedule patients.
  
'''https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0JCJp-ANjwvgRSPkdEMD5p9F9uW1L8H9T70-OrutJXfRZnw/viewform'''
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'''Clinic cancellations within 1 month'''
  
and also inform Maria T. Pires (via email) and your supervisor as soon as you know the dates. The hospital has a mission to prevent bumping patients, so the sooner you provide us with this information, the better. The request should preferably be at least one month in advance.  
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Per BWPO policy, complete a clinic cancellation form for requests within 30 days.
  
If you are out sick, let your supervisor know immediately and send an email to '''bpspsychout@PARTNERS.ORG''' to let the administrative support staff know, so patients can be rescheduled.
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Provider responsibilities include:
  
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1. Notify designated department approver of cancellations within 30 days of appointment.
  
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2. Submit the [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/EdtxlJ1NXcZMlRsh-aGdG00BKRI0l81-TbCHecnnosqtOQ?e=1UGXKT Provider Cancellation Notification Form] to designated department approver with a cc to Maria Pires.
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*Specify cancellation reason: “Provider-Professional” or “Provider-Personal”
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*Reschedule new and return patients within recommended timeframes:
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**New Patients: within 10 working days
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**Return Patients: within 20 working days
  
 
'''Coverage'''
 
'''Coverage'''
  
You are the primary neuropsychiatry provider for your patients and are expected to cover any clinical issues in between clinic days, unless you are on vacation or away for an educational activity. Attendings provide supervision and can be consulted by you for questions in between appointments with your patients.  
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You are the primary neuropsychiatry provider for your patients, so you would be covering clinical issues for your patients between clinic days unless you are on leave. Attending supervision is available for consultation for any issues or questions that come up between patient appointments. Monitor in-basket messages regularly. The psychiatry resident on-call generally handles emergency calls after hours and weekends, but they may reach out to you for questions.
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Additionally, you may need to manage requests from neuropsychiatry patients transferred from former trainees but whom you have not yet seen. Address patient clinical requests with supervisor guidance (either one of your regular clinic supervisors or an attending who had recently seen or staffed that patient). Avoid contacting patients never seen in our clinic. For Epic warnings of new patients reporting suicidal thoughts, alert BWH Psychiatry Triage team for follow-up (and on-call Social Work if needed).
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During vacation or education leave, arrange coverage with fellow trainees in Epic (using the "Out" function). Inform Maria T. Pires, Karina Rosario, and your primary support staff about the dates you are out and who will be covering patient requests addressed to you by sending an out-of-office email to '''BWHPsychiatricSpecialties@partners.org''' the day before you go on leave. Consult clinic supervisors if you have any questions about coverage.
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'''Clinical emergencies'''
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Weekday nights and weekends, on-call psychiatrists (residents) handle urgent needs. On weekdays, refer urgent patients to ED evaluation. Additionally, urgent slots (walk-in clinic, LUCY) provide timely care for severe clinical cases not warranting Section 12 filing. For non-medical crises (requiring SW assistance, e.g., crisis support, referral to partial hospitalisation), use the SW (non-MD) pager. [[#Overview of Neuropsychiatry Social Work|See accessing the non-MD pager]].
  
You need to check your in-basket messages with enough frequency to answer any time-sensitive requests. The psychiatry resident on call answers emergency calls after hours and on weekends only.
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== Navigating an Epic Encounter ==
  
In addition to new clinic patients, you will be assigned neuropsychiatry patients transferred from former trainees. If a “transfer patient” was assigned to you and the patient is already scheduled with you, we expect that you will answer any clinical requests from the patient, of course with your supervisor’s guidance. We advise that you do not contact patients not previously seen in our clinic and you always ask your supervisor regarding such requests. If you receive an Epic warning message that a patient you have not met has answered affirmatively to suicidal thoughts on a questionnaire, let the BWH Psychiatry Triage team know, and they will reach out to the referring physician.
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For a video guide, please visit [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/EWw_XQi9vVdKor1QjuzAleIBTnUyzNCB_BKjCU0hs-vhEQ?e=AGO7fO this link].
  
During the time that you are away for vacation or for educational purposes, coverage will be provided by the other neuropsychiatry trainees. It is your responsibility to arrange for coverage and assign coverage properly in Epic. You should let Maria T. Pires and your primary support staff person know who is providing coverage for you (send email to '''BWHPsychiatricSpecialties@partners.org'''). Please be mindful that different trainees have different clinical loads and coverage should be proportional to your time in clinic. Your clinic supervisor can always provide guidance on how to answer a coverage question.  
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For a detailed guide with images, please visit [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/EYB01CLlpbNAng1F-MpQHX0BQ1wD09dWrhAPN1pSzTWOTQ?e=w7HcZy this link].
  
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When you open Epic, ensure you are signed into the right context ("BWH NEUROPSYCH HALE") and with the correct job for that visit ("Resident/Fellow","Psych trainee with cosign","Psych trainee without cosign").
  
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Epic should open to your schedule. If not, click on the schedule icon in the upper right corner.
  
'''Clinical emergencies'''
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Double click the patient in your schedule. If they have already been seen by the MA, the visit will have started. If it is a virtual visit, you will need to start the visit.
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The visit will open to the Rooming tab. In this tab, complete the following:
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''Reason for visit'': Chief Complaint. 
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''Episodes'': create or check (if already created) a “BPS visit” as a linked episode and “Outpatient psych encounter” as type.
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''History:'' Review with patient and check “Mark as Reviewed”. You may also use the "History" tab (click the upper left corner wrench to add to your buttons) while documenting in your note to update past medical, surgical, family, and social histories as you speak with the patient. 
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''Medications'': The Med Assistant will likely go over the medication list with your patients during on-site visits. If not, you should go through it and, even if already done by the Med Assistant, you should double-check the medications that you are prescribing and those that may interact with them. Update the medication list with new medications, including important supplements. Delete old medications from the list. After reviewed, check “Mark as Reviewed”. You may also do this under the "Plan" tab. 
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''Allergies'': Review with patient and check “Mark as Reviewed”.
  
During weekday nights and weekends, the on-call psychiatrist (a resident) can be available for emergency needs that cannot wait until the next working day. During weekdays during the day, you may need to involuntarily send a patient to an ED for evaluation ([[#Section 12|see how on how to file a section 12]]). Additionally, BPS offers urgent slots (walk-in urgent care clinic, also called LUCY) for patients that need to be seen before their scheduled appointments and for whose clinical situation is severe or urgent enough that care should not be delayed (yet do not merit a Section 12 filing). Please consult with your attending in these situations.
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Next, move to the Charting tab. In this tab, complete the following:
  
For non-medical emergencies (requiring the assistance of SW, such as crisis support, referral to partial hospitalization program, assistance with DCF/ interpersonal violence cases, please use the SW (non-MD) pager ([[#Overview of Neuropsychiatry Social Work|see how to access the non-MD pager]]).
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''Progress Notes'': Add your note here. Use one of the templates for an evaluation/consultation or progress notes (use SmartPhrases '''.NEUROPSYCHNEW''' or '''.NEUROPSYCHNEW2''' or '''.NEUROPSYCHPROG''' for Epic templates). Note that .NEUROPSYCHNEW is preferred over .NEUROPSCYHNEW2 since it is very detailed and captures the various aspects of a comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation. .NEUROPSCYHNEW2 would be helpful if you are building your own template and want to make sure to include all the essentials. Please use one of the NEW templates for transfer evaluations as well, as they are an opportunity to learn aspects of the patient's history that may have been missed in the their previous follow-up visits. During your first follow-up visit with a patient, you can either use the .NEUROPSYCHPROG template and start afresh or carry over your last note written using one of the NEW templates and edit the top sections to reflect that it is a progress note.
  
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For virtual visits please make sure to include SmartPhrase '''.VVVIDEO''' or '''.VVTELEPHONE''' at the end of the note (depending on whether the appointment was conducted by video or phone, respectively). Feel free to use your own templates if they include all the same data. We expect all patients to have a documented elemental neurological exam and at least a cursory cognitive exam (in addition to mental status exam). Note that all patients have access to their documentation, and it is a good idea to use the note as a tool for communicating the plan with them as well as other providers. If you will be writing about sensitive material (eg details of a traumatic experience), obtain consent to document in detail--otherwise place it in a separate "sensitive" note. Dr. Praschan encourages patients to read their notes and inform him of inaccuracies or disagreements to be discussed. 
  
== Epic Documentation ==
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''Risk Assessment'': As part of your note, always include a risk assessment. At least once during your episode of care for a patient, complete a Suicide Screening or Suicide Risk Assessment in Epic (at first appointment, within the “Charting” tab or the hyperlink in the note) OR select “Suicide Screening” and then select “C-SSRS” (subsequent appointments). You can paste the answers from the C-SSRS into your note by adding the Smartphrase '''.COLUMBIACSSRS''' (first appointments) or '''.SUICIDERISKSINCELASTCONTACT''' (subsequent appointments). 
  
When documenting an encounter in Neuropsychiatry Clinic, make sure to cover the following items:
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Next, navigate to the Plan and Wrap-Up tab. On the left...
  
''Reason for visit'': Chief Complaint.  
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''Visit Diagnosis'': Please select your patient’s diagnoses (more than one if indicated). You may also add a diagnosis in the toolbar at the bottom. 
  
''Episodes'': create or check (if already created) a “BPS visit” as a linked episode and “Outpatient psych encounter” as type.
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''Review'': Mark all as reviewed if you have not yet done so already in the rooming tab.
  
''History:'' Review with patient and check “Mark as Reviewed”.
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''Problem list'': Update the problem list and delete inaccurate diagnoses if appropriate.
  
''Medications'': The Med Assistant will likely go over the medication list with your patients during on-site visits. If not, you should go through it and, even if already done by the Med Assistant, you should double-check the medications that you are prescribing and those that may interact with them. After reviewed, check “Mark as Reviewed”.
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''ADD ORDER'': Found in the toolbar on the lower right. This is where you will enter a prescription or diagnostics. As you complete the order, you may sign it in the lower right. Always confirm the preferred pharmacy.
  
''Allergies'': Review with patient and check “Mark as Reviewed”.
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In the right column...
  
''Progress Notes'': Add your note here. Use one of the templates for an initial evaluation or progress notes (use SmartPhrases '''.GCBINITIAL''' or '''.GCBPN2021''' for Epic templates). For virtual visits please make sure to include SmartPhrase '''.VVV''' or '''.VVT''' at the end of the note (depending on whether the appointment was conducted by video or phone, respectively).
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''LOS (Level of Service)'': '''ONLY IF YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT BILLING CLINICIAN''', select the level of service for follow-ups: EST LVL (for time-based follow-ups). '''If you are NOT an independent billing clinician, or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a patient for the first time''', DO NOT select LOS, and rather, cc the encounter to your supervisor for review of the note and final billing.  
  
''Risk Assessment'': As part of your note, always include a risk assessment. At least once during your episode of care for a patient, complete a Suicide Screening or Suicide Risk Assessment in Epic (within the “Charting” tab, select “Suicide Risk Assessment” OR select “Suicide Screening” and then select “C-SSRS”; you can paste the answers from the C-SSRS into your note by adding the Smartphrase '''.COLUMBIACSSRS'''.
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''Facility LOS'': '''ONLY IF YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT BILLING CLINICIAN''', a facility LOS should be selected based on the time spent with the patient for follow-up visits. FOR VIRTUAL VISITS, select GT (for video call visits) or GPH (for phone visits) as modifiers.  '''If you are NOT an independent billing clinician, or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a patient for the first time''', DO NOT select facility LOS.  
  
''Visit Diagnosis'': Please select your patient’s diagnoses (more than one if indicated).
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''Charge capture'': Ignore. Staffing attending may add or change visit charges rather than use those automatically generated by the LOS.  
  
''Meds and Orders'': This is where you will enter a prescription or you will enter an order.
+
''Follow-up'': The best practice for scheduling a follow-up is to directly find a mutually acceptable time with the patient in your schedule. We suggest denoting this time in your Outlook calendar to ensure follow-up visits are not forgotten. After you have selected a time, under "Send Chart Upon Closing Workspace," message your scheduler with the date, time, length, and location (virtual or in-person) of the visit. You may use the phrase '''.NCPSCHED''' or a similar Smartphrase for your convenience. Then click "Send now.
  
''LOS (Level of Service)'': '''ONLY IF YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT BILLING CLINICIAN''', select the level of service for follow-ups: EST LVL (for time-based follow-ups). '''If you are NOT an independent billing clinician, or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a patient for the first time''', DO NOT select LOS, and rather, cc the encounter to your supervisor for review of the note and final billing.
+
Final notes:
  
''Facility LOS'': '''ONLY IF YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT BILLING CLINICIAN''', a facility LOS should be selected based on the time spent with the patient for follow-up visits. FOR VIRTUAL VISITS, select GT (for video call visits) or GPH (for phone visits) as modifiers. '''If you are NOT an independent billing clinician, or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a patient for the first time''', DO NOT select facility LOS.
+
''Closing the encounter'': '''If you are an independent billing clinician''' during a follow-up visit, you should close the encounter after completing the items above. '''If you are NOT a billing clinician or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a new patient''', your supervising attending will have to close the encounter. If that is the case, forward the note to them using the same "Send Chart Upon Closing Workspace" tool as above, entering your supervisor’s name as a “Recipient”, click “Send now." This will route the encounter to your supervisor and they will double-check your documentation and sign/close the encounter.  
  
''Scheduling a follow-up'': For on-site visits, ask the check-out desk staff to schedule a follow-up. For virtual visits, we recommend that you select the date and time based on your Epic schedule, give it to the patient, then go to the “Wrap up” section of your encounter in Epic, go to “Follow-up” section and complete the “Send Chart Upon Closing Workspace” subsection (under “additional options”) adding your support person’s name and entering a message indicating the date and time of the selected f/u appointment and click “Send now”. If you prefer not to give the appointment to the patient yourself, you can send a message also via Wrap-up -> Follow-up -> Send Chart Upon Closing Workspace and ask your support staff to reach out to the patient to schedule a f/u appointment (ie, “schedule f/u appt in 4 weeks on a Tuesday afternoon”), and click “Send now.
+
''Erroneous encounter'': If you opened an encounter by mistake but the patient did not show, you have to enter “Erroneous Encounter” in the Diagnosis field and the service field. This should help you close the encounter. If you have difficulties, please ask your supervisor and they can guide you on how to close the encounter.  
  
''Closing the encounter'': '''If you are an independent billing clinician''' during a follow-up visit, you should close the encounter after completing the items above. '''If you are NOT a billing clinician or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a new patient''', your supervising attending will have to close the encounter. If that is the case, forward the note to him/her by clicking “Follow-up”, entering your supervisor’s name as a “Recipient”, click “Send now” and then close the “Follow-up” section. This will route the encounter to your supervisor and he/she will double-check your documentation and sign/close the encounter.
+
''Timing'': Please complete documentation and forward the note to your supervisor by the end of the 4th day after the encounter AT THE LATEST. That will give enough time for the supervisor to review the note, make edits and close the encounter. Please be aware that the hospital has a rule that every encounter MUST be closed within 7 days of encounter date.  
  
''Erroneous encounter'': If you opened an encounter by mistake but the patient did not show, you have to enter “Erroneous Encounter” in the Diagnosis field and the service field. This should help you close the encounter. If you have difficulties, please ask your supervisor and they can guide you on how to close the encounter.
+
''Referrals'': To refer patients to other services within the MGB system, when you are within the encounter in Epic, click the “ADD ORDER” button in the bottom left corner, and type the service (for instance, “Ambulatory referral to BWH Neurology”), then fill out the information and click “Accept”. A similar process takes place for lab orders, imaging orders, etc. You will need to link a diagnosis to the referral.  
  
''Timing'': Please complete documentation and forward the note to your supervisor by the end of the 4th day after the encounter AT THE LATEST. That will give enough time for the supervisor to review the note, make edits and close the encounter. Please be aware that the hospital has a rule that every encounter MUST be closed within 7 days of encounter date.
+
''Note bloat'': BNNP notes are often long due to the complex nature of patients we see. Be careful in subsequent visits to keep information updated and your note legible.
 
 
''Referrals'': To refer patients to other services within the MGB system, when you are within the encounter in Epic, click the “ADD ORDER” button in the bottom left corner, and type the service (for instance, “Ambulatory referral to BWH Neurology”), then fill out the information and click “Accept”. A similar process takes place for lab orders, imaging orders, etc. You will need to link a diagnosis to the referral.
 
  
 
==Overview of Neuropsychiatry Social Work==
 
==Overview of Neuropsychiatry Social Work==
Line 148: Line 212:
 
# Diagnosed with a psychiatric and neurological disorder with neuropsychiatric sxs (mood, anxiety, conversion, psychosis, etc.) being primary target of treatment.  
 
# Diagnosed with a psychiatric and neurological disorder with neuropsychiatric sxs (mood, anxiety, conversion, psychosis, etc.) being primary target of treatment.  
 
# Ongoing, active treatment with a BWH neuropsychiatrist
 
# Ongoing, active treatment with a BWH neuropsychiatrist
## '''Please note:''' if the pt is being seen for a consult only with MD, the SW team is able to meet with the pt for a needs assessment, planning, and time-limited care coordination but will not be assuming clinical responsibility for pt care beyond that.  
+
## '''Please note:''' if the patient is being seen for a consult only with MD, the SW team is able to meet with the patient for a needs assessment, planning, and time-limited care coordination but will not be assuming clinical responsibility for patient care beyond that.  
 
# Psychiatrically complex
 
# Psychiatrically complex
 
## High safety risk
 
## High safety risk
Line 162: Line 226:
 
'''To Refer to Social Work'''
 
'''To Refer to Social Work'''
  
* Patients may be referred to SW by sending an In basket message the SW team (Laura and Margaret).
+
* Patients may be referred to SW by adding the smartphrase, '''.BBNGSWREFERRAL''', to the bottom of your note and cc’ing all the social workers in the SW team (you can use either the communications section before you sign the encounter -preferable method- or the chart routing option after you sign the chart). This will send an Epic in basket message to the SW team.
 
 
* Please communicate promptly with the social work team that you are referring a pt to them and what the purpose of the referral is prior to the SW evaluation. This can be done by adding the smartphrase, '''.BBNGSWREFERRAL''', to the bottom of your note and cc’ing the SW team through in basket, or entering the smartphrase, '''.BBNGSWREFERRAL''', in an in-basket message and sending it to the Neuropsychiatry SW team.
 
 
   
 
   
* The SWs will determine who will pick up the case and have the front desk reach out to book the pt in their schedule.
+
* The SWs will determine who will pick up the case and have the front desk reach out to book the patient in their schedule.
  
* If a patient that you are seeing in Neuropsychiatry Clinic is followed by the BWH MS Center, use the same process of referral as above but instead of cc’ing the Neuropsychiatry SW team (Laura or Margaret), please cc Lorraine Pedro.
+
* If a patient that you are seeing in Neuropsychiatry Clinic is followed by the '''Multiple Sclerosis Center''', use the same process of referral as above but in addition to cc’ing the Neuropsychiatry SW team (Margaret Latawiec and Judy Burrows), please also cc Lorraine Pedro. Similarly, if the patient is followed in '''Epilepsy''', please cc Briana Cast-Clifton, and if the patient is followed in '''Movement Disorders''' or '''Cognitive Neurology''', please cc Laura Morrissey.
  
  
 
'''To Refer to the SW Pager (for non-medical emergencies)'''
 
'''To Refer to the SW Pager (for non-medical emergencies)'''
  
For urgent non-MD assistance, please use the SW pager. To use this service, call the BPS call center back line (617-278-0484). They will page the on-call SW with your contact info and the MRN of the patient you need support with. Please do not send only an in-basket message or email as it might be missed. The SW (Non-MD) Pager is best used for:
+
Purpose
 
 
* Assessment of risk
 
 
 
* Referrals for partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
 
 
 
* Assistance with DCF/interpersonal violence cases
 
  
* Crisis support
+
* Offer additional layer of support to patients who are in crisis and unable to get in contact with lead clinician​ (ie, assistance with DCF/interpersonal violence cases)
 +
* Risk assessment and management of patients in crisis including referrals to higher level of care​ (PHP)
 +
* Cover high risk patients while lead clinician is out of the office on training or vacation
  
 +
To Refer:
  
 +
* Look up the SW on call in the schedule on Microsoft Teams at [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/sites/BWHAmbulatoryPsychiatryAll-StaffTeam/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B587979E9-8A7E-43B4-A7DA-F41317778B66%7D&file=SW%20Pager%20Schedule%20July%20to%20Dec%202023.xlsx&wdLOR=c2CD72601-CF13-E843-B2F6-6A7F9AD517A4&action=default&mobileredirect=true this link]
 +
* Page covering SW with MRN and send details of request via in-basket message (please do not send only an in-basket message or email as it might be missed; alternatively, you can call the BPS call center back line 617-278-0484 and they will page the on-call SW with your contact info and the MRN of the patient for whom you need support)
 +
* Covering SW will respond within 30 minutes
 +
* Covering SW will assume responsibility of assessing needs of case, communicating with patient’s lead clinician and documenting appropriately
 +
* As needed (e.g., if a PHP referral was made and needs to be followed up with), covering clinician will write a sign off for next covering SW, the party who initiated the page, and other relevant staff members
  
 
== Overview of Community Health Worker (CHW) Role at BPS ==
 
== Overview of Community Health Worker (CHW) Role at BPS ==
Line 191: Line 255:
 
'''Levels of CHW Support'''
 
'''Levels of CHW Support'''
  
# Longitudinal Team Based Care – goal is to help pt become more self-sufficient in navigating the healthcare system and reduce barriers that interfere with patient’s health outcomes
+
# Longitudinal Team Based Care – goal is to help patient become more self-sufficient in navigating the healthcare system and reduce barriers that interfere with patient’s health outcomes
 
## Improve Health Related Behaviors
 
## Improve Health Related Behaviors
 
### Work closely with TX team to provide feedback and identify tx targets
 
### Work closely with TX team to provide feedback and identify tx targets
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### Weekly check ins via phone to follow up on referrals and MH Tx Plan
 
### Weekly check ins via phone to follow up on referrals and MH Tx Plan
 
## Reduce Barriers to Care
 
## Reduce Barriers to Care
### Assist pt schedule and prepare for appointments  
+
### Assist patient schedule and prepare for appointments  
 
### Plan transportation or other logistical details  
 
### Plan transportation or other logistical details  
 
## Community Resources (currently virtual only)
 
## Community Resources (currently virtual only)
 
### Identify resources in the community and develop plan how to access them  
 
### Identify resources in the community and develop plan how to access them  
 
### Complete referrals and follow up on completion of referrals
 
### Complete referrals and follow up on completion of referrals
### Advocate for pt in the healthcare setting and with community resources
+
### Advocate for patient in the healthcare setting and with community resources
 
# Brief Case Management  
 
# Brief Case Management  
 
## 1-3 sessions of assistance
 
## 1-3 sessions of assistance
 
## Identify resources in the community and plan how to access them  
 
## Identify resources in the community and plan how to access them  
## Assist pt with filing paperwork like Short Term Disability/SNAP/DMH
+
## Assist patient with filing paperwork like Short Term Disability/SNAP/DMH
 
## Assist patients with health literacy to transition to MH services in community
 
## Assist patients with health literacy to transition to MH services in community
 
# Community Mental Health Referrals
 
# Community Mental Health Referrals
Line 219: Line 283:
 
* Open <Documentation> under the EPIC button
 
* Open <Documentation> under the EPIC button
 
* Select the <Create Note> button
 
* Select the <Create Note> button
* Enter the SmartPhrase .BPSCHWREFERRAL
+
* Enter the SmartPhrase .BPSREFERRALCHW
 
* Enter the needed info
 
* Enter the needed info
 
* Select the <DISP & CC CHART> link from the side nav
 
* Select the <DISP & CC CHART> link from the side nav
* Forward to Tylah Brathwaite and Lorna Campbell
+
* Forward to the pool of CHWs: P BWH PSYCH CHW
 
* Select <Close Encounter>
 
* Select <Close Encounter>
  
 
== Section 12 ==
 
== Section 12 ==
  
'''BTM Section 12 Process'''
+
The most updated version of the Hale Section 12 policy can be [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/BWHAmbulatoryPsychiatryAll-StaffTeam/Shared%20Documents/%F0%9F%86%98%20Section%2012%20Process%20for%20all%20sites/Hale%20Section%2012%20Policy%20_%20May%202024.docx?d=we2cc349627614b5492775e5fc9b72e31&csf=1&web=1&e=AYHBFF found here].
 +
 
 +
'''BTM Section 12 Process (last updated 5/2024)'''
 +
 
 +
'''Provider:'''
 +
 
 +
1. The clinician should press the panic button if:
 +
  * The provider feels unsafe.
 +
  * A patient is unwilling to be Sectioned (go with EMS to Emergency Dept for evaluation) or attempts to elope.
 +
  * Never attempt physically to stop a patient. Call Security at EXT 26565.
  
''Provider:''
+
2. Notify the Hale staff of need to Section their patient by calling EXT: 7-5311 (This is a number that goes to all on-site staff.)
  
* The provider will notify the administrative support staff by calling '''EXT: 7-5311''' to notify the staff of their need to section a patient before or after hitting the panic button.
+
3. Fill out the Commonwealth Section 12 form. (A copy is available in Microsoft Teams Section 12 folder.
* Provider will fill out the (Commonwealth Section 12) form.
 
* Security will remain with the patient while waiting for EMS to arrive
 
* Provider will complete an expect note in EPIC (go to the patient's chart -> select the encounters tab -> select "more" -> select "rarely used" -> select "emergency" -> fill out expected ED admission form).  
 
* Provider will page the C-L team (until 5pm #32368; after 5pm #13088)
 
* If provider is unable to put in an expect note before the patient is taken by EMS to the Emergency Department, please call the BH Access Center at 617-732-8903, where basic patient information will be gathered to facilitate the patient's care in the emergency department, ensuring quality and safety for all transferred patients.
 
  
 +
4. A clinician will explain to the patient the process of constant observation while in the clinic awaiting EMS transport (see also handout)
  
''Staff:''
+
5. A search will be conducted by police/security with clinician presence per Hospital policy (see 1.6.13)
  
* Administrative support staff will confirm they have the correct patient via Epic and repeat back the pertinent details shared by the provider for the section 12.
+
6. At time of placing a Section 12 on a patient, the patient is placed on continuous observation (to ensure safety as part of Section 12 document concern for imminent danger to the patient) conducted by a BWH Police and Security team until EMS arrives to transport the patient to the ED (Emergency Department).
** Staff will dial 9-911 and ask to be transferred to ambulatory services.
+
  * Request additional clinic room for patients from on-site administrative staff (EXT: 7-5311) where constant observation by Security can continue.
** Staff will then call security at EXT:26565 to let them know we are sectioning a patient and provide them with the patient’s current state (i.e., violent or not) and the provider’s location. *Staff will remind security to use the back door to the clinic
+
  * If the clinician determines it is necessary to stay with the patient until EMS arrives, reach out to the 221 Longwood administrative team to reschedule/cancel scheduled patients as needed. (EXT: 8-0484).
** Ask for an ambulance to be sent to BTM Clinic at 60 Fenwood Rd, provide location, reason for sectioning (providing as little information as possible) and the patient’s demographic information (i.e.: name, date of birth, etc.). *if the patient is violent we will also request BPD.
 
** Notify Operations Supervisor/Operations Manager of the situation via phone, page, or text.
 
** Print out patient Face Sheet and give to the EMT’s upon arrival.
 
*** Right click patient’s appointment
 
*** Form Reprints
 
*** Print Face sheet [ID 31012006] “ADM Face Sheet (BWH)
 
** Scan a copy of the completed section 12 form into patient chart in Epic
 
  
 +
7. If the patient requests to use the bathroom while awaiting EMS transport, police/security will escort the patient to bathroom room # 01254 or 01525 in the K hallway. The police/security officer will remain posted outside of the door, which must remain open just enough to ensure visualization of the patient while in the bathroom. 
 +
  * Patient should be offered, whenever possible, a gender-preferred trained clinic staff member (i.e., nurse, medical assistant, medical practice assistant) to accompany the police/security officer and patient to the restroom. In these instances, the police/security officer will remain within view of the clinic staff member to immediately intervene if the patient is observed performing behaviors that may cause self-harm or harm to others.
  
''' Filing a Section 12 for a patient at home '''
+
8. Complete an Expect Note in EPIC:
 +
  * Go to the patient's chart -> select the encounters tab -> select "more" -> select "rarely used" -> select "emergency" -> fill out the expected ED admission form.
 +
  * If clinician is unable to put in an Expect Note before the patient is taken by EMS to the Emergency Department, please call the BH Access Center at 617-732-8903 to provide basic information that will facilitate the patient's care in the emergency department, ensuring quality and safety for all transferred patients.
 +
  * Complete clinical note as soon as possible.
 +
 
 +
9. Page the C-L team (until 5pm #32368; after 5pm #13088)
 +
 
 +
10. Give a copy of the section 12 form to the Admin to scan into the chart.
 +
 
 +
If the patient attempts to elope, never attempt to stop the patient alone. Follow at a safe distance, notifying others. Do not get in an elevator alone with a patient who is angry and/or has a potential weapon in his/her possession. Instead, alert BWH Police and Security Department or local law enforcement to the location of elevator. BWH Security at EXT: 26565
 +
 
 +
'''Staff:'''
 +
 
 +
Hale staff will confirm they have the correct patient via Epic and repeat back the pertinent details shared by the provider for Section 12. Staff will then:
 +
 
 +
1. Dial 9-911 to let them know we are sectioning a patient and provide them with the patient’s current state (i.e., violent, or not, aware they are being sectioned) and the provider’s location.
 +
  * Ask for an ambulance to be sent to 60 Fenwood Road, 1st floor. Provide location, reason for sectioning and the patient’s demographic information (i.e., name, date of birth, etc.). If the patient is violent, request BPD.
 +
 
 +
2. Call BWH Police and Security at EXT: 26565 to let them know we are sectioning a patient, and they are to stand by until EMS arrives and provide the building, floor, and room #.
 +
 
 +
3. Print out patient Face Sheet and give to the EMT’s upon arrival.
 +
  * Right click on patient’s appointment
 +
  * Form Reprints
 +
  * Print Face sheet [ID 31012006] “ADM Face Sheet (MGB)”
 +
 
 +
4. Scan a copy of the completed section 12 form (include patient MRN label) into patient chart in Epic.
 +
 
 +
'''Filing a Section 12 for a patient at home:'''
  
 
If a patient you’ve assessed to be at imminent risk of harm to self/others, you can section them from their residence by following these instructions:   
 
If a patient you’ve assessed to be at imminent risk of harm to self/others, you can section them from their residence by following these instructions:   
  
* Recommend patient go to an ED for an evaluation and that you will call emergency services to assist, ask pt to remain at their current location and await emergency services
+
* Recommend patient go to an ED for an evaluation and that you will call emergency services to assist, ask patient to remain at their current location and await emergency services
 
* Call 911
 
* Call 911
** State the reason for the call: “I am a psychiatrist and a patient I evaluated is at imminent risk of suicide.”
+
  * State the reason for the call: “I am a psychiatrist and a patient I evaluated is at imminent risk of suicide.”
** 911 will forward you to the local police department, who will review reason for call and ask for physical description of the patient and any safety concerns (weapons).
+
  * 911 will forward you to the local police department, who will review reason for call and ask for physical description of the patient and any safety concerns (weapons).
** Ask the police department for their fax number
+
  * Ask the police department for their fax number
 
* Prepare Section 12a   
 
* Prepare Section 12a   
** Form can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/10/05/section%2012%20order.pdf
+
  * Form can be [https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/10/05/section%2012%20order.pdf found here]
** For “Application to Facility Name,” put nearest hospital that you are aware of near patient and “or, if necessary, alternative appropriate facility”  
+
  * For “Application to Facility Name,” put nearest hospital that you are aware of near patient and “or, if necessary, alternative appropriate facility”  
** When filling out S12a, clearly describe concerning symptoms (likely in more detail than usual) as you may not be able to converse with the receiving hospital  
+
  * When filling out S12a, clearly describe concerning symptoms (likely in more detail than usual) as you may not be able to converse with the receiving hospital  
** Fax Section 12 to police department
+
  * Fax Section 12 to police department
*** Can use Doximity to fax from phone or home computer
+
      * Can use Doximity to fax from phone or home computer
*** Fill out form using a PDF program and call the 221 back line at 617-278-0484 to let BPS support staff know that you will be emailing them a section that will need to be faxed from onsite.  
+
      * Fill out form using a PDF program and call the 221 back line at 617-278-0484 to let BPS support staff know that you will be emailing them a section that will need to be faxed from onsite.  
** If sectioned to a specific hospital, call ahead to inform of ED expect
+
  * If sectioned to a specific hospital, call ahead to inform of ED expect
** Document in Epic
+
  * Document in Epic
 
 
  
 
== Caring for High Risk Suicidal Patients in the Virtual Setting ==
 
== Caring for High Risk Suicidal Patients in the Virtual Setting ==
Line 312: Line 402:
 
* Consider seeking support from On Call Social Worker for assistance with PHP Referral or other resources
 
* Consider seeking support from On Call Social Worker for assistance with PHP Referral or other resources
  
 +
== Ethics Consult Service ==
  
== CBT Groups at Brigham Psychiatric Specialties ==
+
Patients, families, and medical teams may experience uncertainty or disagreement when deciding how to proceed in a given case. The Ethics Consultation Service can assist and support clinicians, patients, and patients’ loved ones as they navigate difficult situations.
  
Virtual Groups offered at Brigham Psychiatric Specialties: 
+
Contacting the Ethics Service:
 +
* Page Ethics at 18590 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm) or email BWHEthicsConsultTeam partners.org
 +
* Place consult to Ethics in Epic (also page or email – there is no alert for Epic orders)
  
'''CBT Skills for Managing Anxiety''' with Pamela Wiegartz, PhD.  This is a workshop-style group designed to offer 8-weeks of cognitive-behavior therapy skills addressing symptoms of anxiety, panic, and worry.  Goals for participants are to gain a better understanding of chronic anxiety and the fight-flight response, identify individualized anxiety patterns and triggers via self-monitoring, develop a working knowledge of basic CBT concepts, and learn and engage in cognitive behavioral skills like cognitive reframing, problem-solving, time management, and assertive communication.  Behavioral change and relapse prevention strategies will be included and each group session will begin with an anxiety management exercise. '''Thursdays at noon OR Fridays at 9am'''
+
== Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resources ==
  
'''CBT Skills for Managing Adult ADHD''' with Carol Perlman, PhD.  This is a workshop-style group designed to offer 8-weeks of cognitive-behavior therapy skills addressing symptoms of ADD and ADHD.  Goals for participants are to gain a better understanding of patterns that connect situations, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and lead to difficulties with ADHD. Skills for increasing productivity and decreasing distractibility, as well identifying and challenging negative thoughts that contribute to difficulties, will be taught.   Systems for using a planner and master task list, keeping up with emails, tackling overwhelming tasks, and managing procrastination will be introduced. '''Monday OR Thursday mornings at 9:00am'''
+
With thanks to Dr. Susanna Mierau for the list.
  
'''CBT Foundations''' with Natalie Dattilo, PhD.  This is a workshop-style group designed to offer 8-weeks of CBT training to address symptoms of depression.  Goals for participants are: 1) gain a better understanding of how our thoughts affect our mood and our behavior, 2) apply a working knowledge of basic CBT concepts, and 3) practice skills like cognitive reframing, behavioral activation, and goal-setting. Relapse prevention strategies will also be included. '''Monday 1:00pm or Tuesday 10:00am'''
+
'''<u>For Clinicians:</u>'''
  
'''Managing Chronic Illness with CBT and Lifestyle Changes''' with Carol Perlman, PhD.  This is an 8-week skill-building  program informed by cognitive  behavioral therapy. Goals for participants are to gain a better understanding of patterns that connect situations, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and may lead to difficulties coping with a chronic illness. Patients will learn skills for scheduling self-care, implementing nutrition changes and exercise programs recommended by their treatment team, monitoring and adjusting levels of activity, identifying and challenging negative thoughts, increasing gratitude, and improving skills for seeking support.    '''Mondays at 11:00am'''
+
'''Autism Speaks:'''
  
'''CBT Skills for Managing OCD and Anxiety''' with Pamela Wiegartz, PhD. This is a workshop-style group designed to offer 8-weeks of cognitive-behavior therapy skills addressing symptoms of anxiety and OCD.  Goals for participants are to gain a better understanding of obsessions and compulsions and how the OCD cycle works, identify individualized symptoms and triggers via self-monitoring, and learn and engage in cognitive behavioral skills like reframing thinking errors,  challenging avoidance behavior, confronting obsessional fears (exposure), and limiting compulsive urges (response prevention).  Relapse prevention strategies will be included.  '''Fridays at 11am'''
+
* [https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Challenging%20Behaviors%20Tool%20Kit.pdf Toolkit for challenging behaviors]
 +
* [https://www.autismspeaks.org/roadmap/clinician-guide-program-development-and-best-practices-treating-severe-behaviors-autism Clinician Guide: Program development and best practices for treating severe behaviors in autism]
  
'''CBT Skills for Managing Perinatal Anxiety''' with Pamela Wiegartz, PhD.  This is a workshop-style group designed to offer pregnant and postpartum women 8-weeks of cognitive-behavior therapy skills addressing symptoms of perinatal anxiety, OCD, and worry.  Goals for participants are to gain a better understanding of perinatal anxiety, identify individualized anxiety patterns and triggers via self-monitoring, gain peer support, and learn and engage in cognitive behavioral skills like cognitive reframing, problem-solving, and assertive communication. Behavioral change and relapse prevention strategies will be included and each group session will begin with an anxiety management exercise.  '''Wednesdays at 3pm'''
+
'''Autism 2019:'''
  
'''WHAT TO DO:'''
+
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6728747/ "‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults’ views and experiences of stimming."] This paper provides views on stimming from articulate autistic adults.
  
1.) Send the '''.BPSPSYCHOLOGYREFERRAL''' form to Pamela Wiegartz, PhD via Epic inbasket. If you don't have access to the dotphrase, please Epic inbasket Dr. Wiegartz.
+
'''<u>For Patients and Caregivers:</u>'''
  
2.) Please make your patient aware that this referral is contingent on the results of screening and availability.  We find that setting expectations for patients by informing them of the parameters of treatment (e.g., during clinic hours, short-term, skills-based) and potential wait times helps to avoid any confusion or disappointment down the road.
+
'''Lurie Center for Autism:'''
  
3.) Please let Dr. Wiegartz know if she can help.
+
* [https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center/autism-patient-resources Patient Resources]
 +
* [https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/children/lurie-center-coffee-convo-series.pdf Coffee Convo Presentation Series]
 +
* [https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/children/lurie-center-caregiver-workshop-flyer.pdf Parent and Caregiver Workshops]
 +
* [https://www.massgeneral.org/assets/mgh/pdf/children/lurie-center-nicole-simon-profservices.pdf Behavioral Consultation Services for Families (With Nicole Simon)]
 +
* For the latest workshops, please refer to Dr. Susanna Mierau's Epic smartphrase, .SMLURIEWORKSHOPS.
 +
 
 +
Short articles that explain different reasons why a person may engage in repetitive speech and other behaviors:
 +
 
 +
* [https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-adult-focused/reducing-self-stimulatory-behaviors-in-individuals-with-autism/ Reducing self-stimulatory behaviors in individuals with autism]
 +
* [https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/repetitive-behaviors-and-stimming-in-autism-explained/ Repetitive behaviors and stimming in autism explained]
  
 
== BPS Support Staff Phone Numbers ==
 
== BPS Support Staff Phone Numbers ==
 +
 +
'''BPS Phone number for patients'''
 +
* Main number: 617-732-6753
 +
* Fax: 617-738-8703
  
 
'''BPS Support Staff'''
 
'''BPS Support Staff'''
 +
* [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:x:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/EZZhsWSEVllHnSBaQg6D3koBOKtPi3pjWeYW3oLtASauEg?e=g0KvTI BPS Support Staff List]
 +
 +
'''Other useful phone numbers'''
 +
* Medical records: 617-726-2361
 +
* Financial services: 866-736-1510
 +
* Pacific Interpreters (interpreter services): 617-732-6639
 +
* Passageways (domestic violence program): 617-732-8753
 +
* BWH Registration: 855-278-8009
 +
* Patient Gateway: 800-745-9683
 +
* ARP (Addiction Recovery Program): 617-983-7060
 +
* Bridge Clinic: 617-278-0172
 +
* Patient Family Relations: 617-732-6636
 +
* BWFH Outpatient Front Desk: 617-983-7474 - option 1
 +
* BWFH Psychiatry Triage: 617-983-7060 - option 1
 +
 +
== Brain Health Groups and Neuropsychology ==
 +
 +
Flyers for current CBMM groups can be found at:
  
Maria Pires (Operations Manager) 617-278-0533 (office); 857-407-8537 (cell)
+
https://brainhealth.bwh.harvard.edu/renew-flyers/
  
'''Call Center Staff'''
+
To refer through Epic, go to the order entry form and enter either "Ambulatory Referral to BWH Cog Rehab/Brain Wellness Groups" or "REF210752." The correct referral order will then appear. You can select the group that best fits the patient’s needs. If you’re unsure which group is the most appropriate, choose "Triage."
  
Megan O’Connor (Operations Supervisor) 617-525-9679
+
To refer a patient for neuropsychological testing through Epic, go to the order entry form and enter either "Ambulatory Referral to BWH Neuropsych Testing" or "REF210751." The correct referral order will then appear.
  
Lesly Calderon 617-278-0815
+
== BPS Psychology Groups ==
  
Beverley Lai 617-525-7499
+
Please refer to the link below for the most current list of group therapy offerings, including CBT, from BPS Psychology. Use the smartphrase .BPSREFERRALPSYCHOLOGY for the referral and route the note to the BWH PSYCH PSYCHOLOGY pool.
  
Hannah McNeill 617-525-9670
+
[https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/BWHAmbulatoryPsychiatryAll-StaffTeam/EUZx0VPbEWpCiD6jJoillLwB5ecEvh5or475KqJKhx8jSA?e=BA1Nzd BPS Psychology Groups]
  
Marlon Green 617-278-0813
+
== Referrals to Psychotherapy in the Community ==
  
Sarah Poolman 617-525-9092
+
If the patient is capable of finding their own psychotherapist, you can offer the following guide:
  
Savannah Kingler 617-525-9215
+
[https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/ET6fqK6C4MlDqi5k1aE_GGsB0SQto4Bd13JRUqHfjWYfLg?e=1Oeklb How To Find A Psychotherapist]
  
'''Front Desk Staff'''
+
Other resources you may consider:
  
Rogina Isme 617-525-7776
+
1. For patients with MassHealth or Medicare, consider sharing website for Massachusetts-mandated Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC), where patients can find their closest CBHC:
 +
https://www.mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers
  
Kathleen Ledesma 617-732-5599
+
2. Other resources that may require private insurance:
  
Irvin bailey 617-525-7151
+
*Boston Evening Psychotherapy 617-738-1480 https://bostoneveningtherapy.com
  
'''Medical Assistants'''
+
*Lifestance 781-551-0999  https://lifestance.com
  
Gabriella Childers 617-278-1050
+
*Kinder Mind 866-846-7765  https://kindermind.com
  
Lissette Mohammed 617-525-9210
+
3. Asking for help from the CHW team (see above)
  
'''Billing Coordinator'''
+
== Referrals to Interventional Psychiatry ==
  
Alanna Baker
+
For Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), search for "Ambulatory referral to BWH Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)" or "REF12132" and complete the required details. TMS is performed in the Hale Building. More details can be found here: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurosciences-center/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation
  
 +
For Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and ketamine/esketamine, use "AMB REFERRAL TO BWFH PSYCH INTERVENTIONS" or "REF5111" and complete the necessary details. Do ''not'' select "ECT/Ketamine BWFH Psych Interventions" that also comes up in the search results. Both these procedures are conducted at Faulkner Hospital. More details can be found here: https://www.brighamandwomensfaulkner.org/programs-and-services/psychiatry/interventional-psychiatry
  
== Brain Health Groups ==
+
== Referrals to Partial Hospitalization Programs ==
  
Flyers for current CBMM groups can be found at:
+
Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are helpful alternatives to inpatient hospitalization for patients struggling with day structure and in need of additional support but who do not merit or would not benefit from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Patients participate in a PHP during the day, typically on a 9 AM - 3 PM schedule, either by attending in person or virtually. These programs usually last 1-4 weeks. The structure of these programs is typically based around group psychotherapy, focusing on psychoeducation, distress tolerance, skill-building, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Most programs involve meetings with a psychiatrist to help make adjustments to medications as well.
 +
 
 +
There are several PHPs within the MGB system, including Faulkner Hospital (general adult, in-person) and Salem Hospital (general adult, hybrid). Other well-established programs in the area include JP Hospital PHPs (general adult, dual diagnosis), HRI Hospital PHPs (general adult, women's and trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+), Cambridge Health Alliance, and others.
  
https://brainhealth.bwh.harvard.edu/renew-flyers/
+
To refer a patient to the Faulkner Hospital PHP, complete a Documentation encounter, populate a note with the SmartPhrase, BPSREFERRALBWFPARTIAL, complete the form, and route it to the BWF PSYCH TRIAGE in-basket pool.
  
To refer through Epic, go to "Ambulatory Referral to BWH Neurology" >> choose "Cog Rehab/Brain Wellness Groups" under Specialty >> then select the group. If unsure which group fits best, select "Triage".
+
To refer a patient to a PHP other than Faulkner Hospital, please reach out to the [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/sites/BWHAmbulatoryPsychiatryAll-StaffTeam/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B587979E9-8A7E-43B4-A7DA-F41317778B66%7D&file=SW%20Pager%20Schedule%20July%20to%20Dec%202023.xlsx&wdLOR=c2CD72601-CF13-E843-B2F6-6A7F9AD517A4&action=default&mobileredirect=true SW on-call.] Also see the discussion of SW roles and responsibilities above for more details.
  
 +
== Link with Important Tip Sheets ==
  
== Other BPS group therapy offerings ==
+
Teams folder with useful documents and tip sheets: [https://partnershealthcare.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/NeuropsychiatryDivision/Eur-T3qFPoNFm1hc138HVLwBEz3gEqghrNNZ3iwwHFXn_w?e=KvG3eB Click Here]
  
Check the following channel in Microsoft Teams for an updated list of group offerings through BPS:
+
Examples of what you will find here include:
  
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3a5479ca720bd6403fb5f8dcb219de6491%40thread.tacv2/BPS%2520Groups?groupId=8140a75c-7cf2-4c1f-aa5e-26c78c8be20c&tenantId=720edb1f-5c4e-4043-8141-214a63a7ead5
+
* How to do a suicide and safety assessment
 +
* How to connect to MGB system via VPN
 +
* How to use interpreter services in Zoom
 +
* How to use Doximity
 +
* How to add a camera for your virtual visit
 +
* How to create a list of open encounters in Epic
 +
* How to create a caseload tracker in Epic
 +
* In Basket efficiency tips
 +
* ... and much more

Latest revision as of 12:11, 27 August 2024

Welcome to BWH Neuropsychiatry! We look forward to working with you.

This document outlines the most important logistical aspects of our clinical operations. In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your clinic supervisor(s).

Who we are

Our Neuropsychiatry division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital includes several neuropsychiatrists. We are one of the core components of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine (CBMM). You will work with one primary supervisor per clinic session (4-hour clinic block). Due to cross-coverage, you will likely interact with most of us at some point. We are:

David Silbersweig, MD

Jessica Harder, MD

Juan Carlos Urizar, MD (Geriatric Neuropsychiatry)

Stanley Lyndon, MD

Irene Gonsalvez, MD

Joseph Taylor, MD (TMS)

Shan H Siddiqi, MD, MBBS

Rishab Gupta, MD

Nathan Praschan, MD, MPH

Jacob Weiss, MD

Marie Esther Emmanuel, CNP

There are other neuropsychiatrists and clinicians affiliated with CBMM whom you will meet during rounds (such as Dr. Barry Fogel, Dr. Barbara Schildkrout, and others). You will have the opportunity to learn from them and consult with them as well.

We also have two social workers in Neuropsychiatry whom you may reach out to for clear, issue-focused, short-term psychotherapy referrals. Please refer to the section below for an overview of the services provided by neuropsychiatry social workers. You and your supervisor should discuss if a referral to Social Work is appropriate. Our two neuropsychiatry social workers are:

Margaret Latawiec, MSW, LICSW

Judy Burrows, MSW, LICSW

We also have access to a Community Health Worker (CHW), Debra Aponte, who can provide brief assistance (1-3 sessions) for specific case management needs such as housing and food insecurity, or help with community referrals for mental health treatment, such as establishing psychotherapy with a provider in the community. The CHW may work longitudinally with patients to reduce barriers that affect health outcomes and help navigate the healthcare system. Please refer to the section below for an overview of the services provided by the community health worker.

Lorna Campbell, MSW, LICSW, serves as the Social Work Program Director for Brigham Psychiatric Specialties (BPS), which includes Neuropsychiatry.

CBMM Educational Activities

Please refer to this document for Zoom links to the meetings mentioned below.

  • Trainees are expected to attend multidisciplinary CBMM clinical teaching rounds as per their pre-arranged schedule. These rounds occur on Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, conducted via Zoom or hybrid format once a month (usually on the first Wednesday - room location announced via email the preceding week). Each week, trainees are required to present one new case during rounds, focusing on cognitive neurology and neuropsychiatry cases, with presentations limited to 6 minutes. Please inform Kirk Daffner and Stanley Lyndon via email before rounds regarding the case you wish to present during CBMM rounds.
  • Management rounds are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month for 30 minutes during CBMM rounds. This time is designated for presentations that address specific clinical management questions. Please inform Stanley Lyndon and Nathan Praschan via email before rounds regarding the case you wish to present during management rounds. We encourage trainees presenting cases also followed by another CBMM clinician to notify them in advance for additional input.
  • Tuesday evening supervision (5-6 pm) offers in-depth discussions on topics related to Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, conducted via Zoom and in hybrid format once a month.
  • CBMM Journal Club convenes on Wednesdays from 12-1 pm immediately following clinical teaching rounds, at the same virtual or on-site location.

Other educational meetings of interest to trainees include:

- Brain Circuit Therapeutics Training Program (led by Shan Siddiqi), weekly on Thursdays at 1 pm via Zoom. This program does not run during the summer months.

- MGB Psychiatry Grand Rounds, Thursdays 12-1 pm. Weekly emails provide the topic and location/Zoom link.

- MGB Neurology Grand Rounds, Thursdays 9-10 am. Weekly emails provide the topic and location/Zoom link.

Trainees may also wish to attend various relevant clinical meetings. Please notify the respective attendings below if interested in attending:

- Functional Neurological Disorders Team Meeting (Gonsalvez, Lyndon, Praschan), Mondays 11-12 am via Zoom.

- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia (Urizar), 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 1-2 pm via Zoom

- Plaque and Tangle Committee for Anti-amyloid Therapy (Daffner, Erkkinen, Praschan), Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 am via Zoom.

- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgical Conference (Green, Lyndon, Praschan), every other Wednesday 4-5 pm via Zoom.

- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Weekly Rounds (Taylor, Lyndon, Gonsalvez), every Tuesday 12-1 pm in-person/hybrid.

- Epilepsy Surgical Conference (Barbara Dworetzky, Daniel Weisholtz), every Thursday 1-2 pm in-person/hybrid.

Clinical Operations

Most of our on-site clinical operations take place at the BWH Hale Building, Clinical Neurosciences Center, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, first floor. We also have Neuropsychiatry services at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Support staff at the clinic will assist with requests related to encounters during your clinic time for on-site patients. This includes: check-in at the front desk, vitals and medication reconciliation by medical assistants, and check-out at the desk. The check-out staff can help set up follow-up appointments and make referrals for tests and other specialists (provided that an order in Epic is in place).

Assistance for anything outside of your on-site clinic time (including requests related to virtual visits) is handled by Brigham Psychiatric Specialties (BPS) Call Center support staff (physically located at 221 Longwood Ave). This includes managing patient phone calls, scheduling changes, and document sending. You will be assigned one primary support staff person.

All trainee clinics physically take place at BWH Hale Building, 60 Fenwood Road, or BWFH, 1153 Centre St. New patients will be encouraged to schedule an in-person visit (patients may refuse). Follow-ups may be scheduled virtually if clinically appropriate and if the patient will be physically in the state of Massachusetts. Every virtual clinical encounter should start by confirming the patient's physical location to ensure they are in Massachusetts (if located outside of Mass, a clinical encounter cannot take place, although emergency care can be provided over the phone as clinically indicated).

Maria T. Pires is the practice manager for BPS. For administrative requests specific to a patient (e.g., rescheduling appointments, sending documents), contact your assigned primary support person. For medication-related issues (e.g., completing prior authorization forms, obtaining pharmacy information), Psychiatry medical assistants can assist. Click here for their names and phone numbers. Messages concerning schedule changes should include Maria T. Pires and Karina Rosario. Please consult your supervisors for any questions about contacting the appropriate person. All clinical requests should be directed through Epic’s In-Basket messaging system.

New patients are scheduled through our BWH Psychiatry Triage team (part of BPS Call Center). They may contact you regarding new patient queries (e.g., records you may need beforehand). Always consult your attending supervisor before accepting a new patient.

As a general rule, NEW patients (not previously seen in Neuropsychiatry) are evaluated on a consultation basis (without expectation of treatment). If a new patient has established providers at BWH (e.g., PCP or ongoing neurological care requiring frequent visits), we may offer treatment within our service. For patients without established providers at BWH, we can only offer a one-time consultation and referral back to the referring provider with recommendations (with very few exceptions, e.g., existing programs offering limited forms of treatment such as short-term psychotherapy for FND).

All staff listed in this guide, and the support staff assigned to you are reachable via MGB email. The clinic phone number is 617-732-6753, and the clinic fax number is 617-738-8703. Provide these numbers to patients for contacting you. For electronic communication, patients should use Patient Gateway / My Chart (advising a 48-hour delay for messages). Avoid patient communication via email as it is not part of their medical record.

A comprehensive description of Brigham Psychiatric Services is available in the BPS Handbook.

Holiday Calendar

Link to the hospital holiday calendar: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/human-resources/bwh-holiday-calendar

Time off

If planning time off (vacation or education-related), complete the request form. Inform the fellowship directors, your clinic supervisors (for the dates you will be away), and Maria T. Pires via email as soon as the dates are known. Prompt information minimises patient rescheduling. Requests should be submitted at least one month in advance.

For Neuropsychiatry Clinic absences due to illness, promptly inform your supervisor and email bpspsychout@PARTNERS.ORG to reschedule patients.

Clinic cancellations within 1 month

Per BWPO policy, complete a clinic cancellation form for requests within 30 days.

Provider responsibilities include:

1. Notify designated department approver of cancellations within 30 days of appointment.

2. Submit the Provider Cancellation Notification Form to designated department approver with a cc to Maria Pires.

  • Specify cancellation reason: “Provider-Professional” or “Provider-Personal”
  • Reschedule new and return patients within recommended timeframes:
    • New Patients: within 10 working days
    • Return Patients: within 20 working days

Coverage

You are the primary neuropsychiatry provider for your patients, so you would be covering clinical issues for your patients between clinic days unless you are on leave. Attending supervision is available for consultation for any issues or questions that come up between patient appointments. Monitor in-basket messages regularly. The psychiatry resident on-call generally handles emergency calls after hours and weekends, but they may reach out to you for questions.

Additionally, you may need to manage requests from neuropsychiatry patients transferred from former trainees but whom you have not yet seen. Address patient clinical requests with supervisor guidance (either one of your regular clinic supervisors or an attending who had recently seen or staffed that patient). Avoid contacting patients never seen in our clinic. For Epic warnings of new patients reporting suicidal thoughts, alert BWH Psychiatry Triage team for follow-up (and on-call Social Work if needed).

During vacation or education leave, arrange coverage with fellow trainees in Epic (using the "Out" function). Inform Maria T. Pires, Karina Rosario, and your primary support staff about the dates you are out and who will be covering patient requests addressed to you by sending an out-of-office email to BWHPsychiatricSpecialties@partners.org the day before you go on leave. Consult clinic supervisors if you have any questions about coverage.

Clinical emergencies

Weekday nights and weekends, on-call psychiatrists (residents) handle urgent needs. On weekdays, refer urgent patients to ED evaluation. Additionally, urgent slots (walk-in clinic, LUCY) provide timely care for severe clinical cases not warranting Section 12 filing. For non-medical crises (requiring SW assistance, e.g., crisis support, referral to partial hospitalisation), use the SW (non-MD) pager. See accessing the non-MD pager.

Navigating an Epic Encounter

For a video guide, please visit this link.

For a detailed guide with images, please visit this link.

When you open Epic, ensure you are signed into the right context ("BWH NEUROPSYCH HALE") and with the correct job for that visit ("Resident/Fellow","Psych trainee with cosign","Psych trainee without cosign").

Epic should open to your schedule. If not, click on the schedule icon in the upper right corner.

Double click the patient in your schedule. If they have already been seen by the MA, the visit will have started. If it is a virtual visit, you will need to start the visit.

The visit will open to the Rooming tab. In this tab, complete the following:

Reason for visit: Chief Complaint.  
Episodes: create or check (if already created) a “BPS visit” as a linked episode and “Outpatient psych encounter” as type. 
History: Review with patient and check “Mark as Reviewed”. You may also use the "History" tab (click the upper left corner wrench to add to your buttons) while documenting in your note to update past medical, surgical, family, and social histories as you speak with the patient.  
Medications: The Med Assistant will likely go over the medication list with your patients during on-site visits. If not, you should go through it and, even if already done by the Med Assistant, you should double-check the medications that you are prescribing and those that may interact with them. Update the medication list with new medications, including important supplements. Delete old medications from the list. After reviewed, check “Mark as Reviewed”. You may also do this under the "Plan" tab.  
Allergies: Review with patient and check “Mark as Reviewed”. 

Next, move to the Charting tab. In this tab, complete the following:

Progress Notes: Add your note here. Use one of the templates for an evaluation/consultation or progress notes (use SmartPhrases .NEUROPSYCHNEW or .NEUROPSYCHNEW2 or .NEUROPSYCHPROG for Epic templates). Note that .NEUROPSYCHNEW is preferred over .NEUROPSCYHNEW2 since it is very detailed and captures the various aspects of a comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation. .NEUROPSCYHNEW2 would be helpful if you are building your own template and want to make sure to include all the essentials. Please use one of the NEW templates for transfer evaluations as well, as they are an opportunity to learn aspects of the patient's history that may have been missed in the their previous follow-up visits. During your first follow-up visit with a patient, you can either use the .NEUROPSYCHPROG template and start afresh or carry over your last note written using one of the NEW templates and edit the top sections to reflect that it is a progress note.

For virtual visits please make sure to include SmartPhrase .VVVIDEO or .VVTELEPHONE at the end of the note (depending on whether the appointment was conducted by video or phone, respectively). Feel free to use your own templates if they include all the same data. We expect all patients to have a documented elemental neurological exam and at least a cursory cognitive exam (in addition to mental status exam). Note that all patients have access to their documentation, and it is a good idea to use the note as a tool for communicating the plan with them as well as other providers. If you will be writing about sensitive material (eg details of a traumatic experience), obtain consent to document in detail--otherwise place it in a separate "sensitive" note. Dr. Praschan encourages patients to read their notes and inform him of inaccuracies or disagreements to be discussed.

Risk Assessment: As part of your note, always include a risk assessment. At least once during your episode of care for a patient, complete a Suicide Screening or Suicide Risk Assessment in Epic (at first appointment, within the “Charting” tab or the hyperlink in the note) OR select “Suicide Screening” and then select “C-SSRS” (subsequent appointments). You can paste the answers from the C-SSRS into your note by adding the Smartphrase .COLUMBIACSSRS (first appointments) or .SUICIDERISKSINCELASTCONTACT (subsequent appointments).   

Next, navigate to the Plan and Wrap-Up tab. On the left...

Visit Diagnosis: Please select your patient’s diagnoses (more than one if indicated). You may also add a diagnosis in the toolbar at the bottom.  
Review: Mark all as reviewed if you have not yet done so already in the rooming tab.  
Problem list: Update the problem list and delete inaccurate diagnoses if appropriate.  
ADD ORDER: Found in the toolbar on the lower right. This is where you will enter a prescription or diagnostics. As you complete the order, you may sign it in the lower right. Always confirm the preferred pharmacy.  

In the right column...

LOS (Level of Service): ONLY IF YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT BILLING CLINICIAN, select the level of service for follow-ups: EST LVL (for time-based follow-ups). If you are NOT an independent billing clinician, or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a patient for the first time, DO NOT select LOS, and rather, cc the encounter to your supervisor for review of the note and final billing. 
Facility LOS: ONLY IF YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT BILLING CLINICIAN, a facility LOS should be selected based on the time spent with the patient for follow-up visits. FOR VIRTUAL VISITS, select GT (for video call visits) or GPH (for phone visits) as modifiers.  If you are NOT an independent billing clinician, or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a patient for the first time, DO NOT select facility LOS. 
Charge capture: Ignore. Staffing attending may add or change visit charges rather than use those automatically generated by the LOS. 
Follow-up: The best practice for scheduling a follow-up is to directly find a mutually acceptable time with the patient in your schedule. We suggest denoting this time in your Outlook calendar to ensure follow-up visits are not forgotten. After you have selected a time, under "Send Chart Upon Closing Workspace," message your scheduler with the date, time, length, and location (virtual or in-person) of the visit. You may use the phrase .NCPSCHED or a similar Smartphrase for your convenience. Then click "Send now."  

Final notes:

Closing the encounter: If you are an independent billing clinician during a follow-up visit, you should close the encounter after completing the items above. If you are NOT a billing clinician or if you are an independent billing clinician seeing a new patient, your supervising attending will have to close the encounter. If that is the case, forward the note to them using the same "Send Chart Upon Closing Workspace" tool as above, entering your supervisor’s name as a “Recipient”, click “Send now." This will route the encounter to your supervisor and they will double-check your documentation and sign/close the encounter. 
Erroneous encounter: If you opened an encounter by mistake but the patient did not show, you have to enter “Erroneous Encounter” in the Diagnosis field and the service field. This should help you close the encounter. If you have difficulties, please ask your supervisor and they can guide you on how to close the encounter. 
Timing:  Please complete documentation and forward the note to your supervisor by the end of the 4th day after the encounter AT THE LATEST. That will give enough time for the supervisor to review the note, make edits and close the encounter. Please be aware that the hospital has a rule that every encounter MUST be closed within 7 days of encounter date. 
Referrals: To refer patients to other services within the MGB system, when you are within the encounter in Epic, click the “ADD ORDER” button in the bottom left corner, and type the service (for instance, “Ambulatory referral to BWH Neurology”), then fill out the information and click “Accept”. A similar process takes place for lab orders, imaging orders, etc. You will need to link a diagnosis to the referral. 
Note bloat: BNNP notes are often long due to the complex nature of patients we see. Be careful in subsequent visits to keep information updated and your note legible.

Overview of Neuropsychiatry Social Work

Services provided by social work in the division of neuropsychiatry include:

  • Short-term, goal-directed treatment using a variety of evidence-based practice including CBT, behavioral activation, DBT, Mindfulness, etc.;
  • Individual, group and family interventions to reduce the impact of psychiatric and neurological disorders on daily functioning;
  • Crisis intervention to mitigate risk associated with poor judgment, impulsivity, aggression, elder abuse/neglect, suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, substance abuse, etc.;
  • Coordination of care with treatment team and outside providers;
  • Consultation about services and referrals specific to neuropsychiatric patient population/care planning (e.g., psychiatric vs. adult day treatment, advanced directives, end of life planning).


Following is the criteria for appropriate referrals to Neuropsychiatry Social Work:

  1. Diagnosed with a psychiatric and neurological disorder with neuropsychiatric sxs (mood, anxiety, conversion, psychosis, etc.) being primary target of treatment.
  2. Ongoing, active treatment with a BWH neuropsychiatrist
    1. Please note: if the patient is being seen for a consult only with MD, the SW team is able to meet with the patient for a needs assessment, planning, and time-limited care coordination but will not be assuming clinical responsibility for patient care beyond that.
  3. Psychiatrically complex
    1. High safety risk
    2. High risk of dropping out of treatment
    3. Extremely complicated psychosocially
    4. Excessive utilization of services
    5. Need for coordinated multidisciplinary treatment
  4. Need for short term targeted therapy and/or active monitoring of sxs/safety risks associated with neuropsychiatric condition
  5. Caregiver and family system assessment and short term support
  6. Assessment of social, financial and community needs


To Refer to Social Work

  • Patients may be referred to SW by adding the smartphrase, .BBNGSWREFERRAL, to the bottom of your note and cc’ing all the social workers in the SW team (you can use either the communications section before you sign the encounter -preferable method- or the chart routing option after you sign the chart). This will send an Epic in basket message to the SW team.
  • The SWs will determine who will pick up the case and have the front desk reach out to book the patient in their schedule.
  • If a patient that you are seeing in Neuropsychiatry Clinic is followed by the Multiple Sclerosis Center, use the same process of referral as above but in addition to cc’ing the Neuropsychiatry SW team (Margaret Latawiec and Judy Burrows), please also cc Lorraine Pedro. Similarly, if the patient is followed in Epilepsy, please cc Briana Cast-Clifton, and if the patient is followed in Movement Disorders or Cognitive Neurology, please cc Laura Morrissey.


To Refer to the SW Pager (for non-medical emergencies)

Purpose

  • Offer additional layer of support to patients who are in crisis and unable to get in contact with lead clinician​ (ie, assistance with DCF/interpersonal violence cases)
  • Risk assessment and management of patients in crisis including referrals to higher level of care​ (PHP)
  • Cover high risk patients while lead clinician is out of the office on training or vacation

To Refer:

  • Look up the SW on call in the schedule on Microsoft Teams at this link
  • Page covering SW with MRN and send details of request via in-basket message (please do not send only an in-basket message or email as it might be missed; alternatively, you can call the BPS call center back line 617-278-0484 and they will page the on-call SW with your contact info and the MRN of the patient for whom you need support)
  • Covering SW will respond within 30 minutes
  • Covering SW will assume responsibility of assessing needs of case, communicating with patient’s lead clinician and documenting appropriately
  • As needed (e.g., if a PHP referral was made and needs to be followed up with), covering clinician will write a sign off for next covering SW, the party who initiated the page, and other relevant staff members

Overview of Community Health Worker (CHW) Role at BPS

Mission: The mission of our Community Health Worker Program is to improve the health and well-being of patients who live in the diverse communities served by MGB.

Levels of CHW Support

  1. Longitudinal Team Based Care – goal is to help patient become more self-sufficient in navigating the healthcare system and reduce barriers that interfere with patient’s health outcomes
    1. Improve Health Related Behaviors
      1. Work closely with TX team to provide feedback and identify tx targets
      2. Create and achieve personal health and wellness goals with pt
      3. Check in regularly about progress toward meeting those goals
      4. Weekly check ins via phone to follow up on referrals and MH Tx Plan
    2. Reduce Barriers to Care
      1. Assist patient schedule and prepare for appointments
      2. Plan transportation or other logistical details
    3. Community Resources (currently virtual only)
      1. Identify resources in the community and develop plan how to access them
      2. Complete referrals and follow up on completion of referrals
      3. Advocate for patient in the healthcare setting and with community resources
  2. Brief Case Management
    1. 1-3 sessions of assistance
    2. Identify resources in the community and plan how to access them
    3. Assist patient with filing paperwork like Short Term Disability/SNAP/DMH
    4. Assist patients with health literacy to transition to MH services in community
  3. Community Mental Health Referrals
    1. Call patient to determine needs for therapy (e.g., location, type of therapy, insurance)
    2. Send patient list of referrals
    3. Follow up with patient in 1 month on progress


To Refer to CHW

  • Open <Documentation> under the EPIC button
  • Select the <Create Note> button
  • Enter the SmartPhrase .BPSREFERRALCHW
  • Enter the needed info
  • Select the <DISP & CC CHART> link from the side nav
  • Forward to the pool of CHWs: P BWH PSYCH CHW
  • Select <Close Encounter>

Section 12

The most updated version of the Hale Section 12 policy can be found here.

BTM Section 12 Process (last updated 5/2024)

Provider:

1. The clinician should press the panic button if:

  * The provider feels unsafe.
  * A patient is unwilling to be Sectioned (go with EMS to Emergency Dept for evaluation) or attempts to elope.
  * Never attempt physically to stop a patient. Call Security at EXT 26565.

2. Notify the Hale staff of need to Section their patient by calling EXT: 7-5311 (This is a number that goes to all on-site staff.)

3. Fill out the Commonwealth Section 12 form. (A copy is available in Microsoft Teams Section 12 folder.)

4. A clinician will explain to the patient the process of constant observation while in the clinic awaiting EMS transport (see also handout)

5. A search will be conducted by police/security with clinician presence per Hospital policy (see 1.6.13)

6. At time of placing a Section 12 on a patient, the patient is placed on continuous observation (to ensure safety as part of Section 12 document concern for imminent danger to the patient) conducted by a BWH Police and Security team until EMS arrives to transport the patient to the ED (Emergency Department).

  * Request additional clinic room for patients from on-site administrative staff (EXT: 7-5311) where constant observation by Security can continue.
  * If the clinician determines it is necessary to stay with the patient until EMS arrives, reach out to the 221 Longwood administrative team to reschedule/cancel scheduled patients as needed. (EXT: 8-0484).

7. If the patient requests to use the bathroom while awaiting EMS transport, police/security will escort the patient to bathroom room # 01254 or 01525 in the K hallway. The police/security officer will remain posted outside of the door, which must remain open just enough to ensure visualization of the patient while in the bathroom.

  * Patient should be offered, whenever possible, a gender-preferred trained clinic staff member (i.e., nurse, medical assistant, medical practice assistant) to accompany the police/security officer and patient to the restroom. In these instances, the police/security officer will remain within view of the clinic staff member to immediately intervene if the patient is observed performing behaviors that may cause self-harm or harm to others.

8. Complete an Expect Note in EPIC:

  * Go to the patient's chart -> select the encounters tab -> select "more" -> select "rarely used" -> select "emergency" -> fill out the expected ED admission form.
  * If clinician is unable to put in an Expect Note before the patient is taken by EMS to the Emergency Department, please call the BH Access Center at 617-732-8903 to provide basic information that will facilitate the patient's care in the emergency department, ensuring quality and safety for all transferred patients.
  * Complete clinical note as soon as possible.

9. Page the C-L team (until 5pm #32368; after 5pm #13088)

10. Give a copy of the section 12 form to the Admin to scan into the chart.

If the patient attempts to elope, never attempt to stop the patient alone. Follow at a safe distance, notifying others. Do not get in an elevator alone with a patient who is angry and/or has a potential weapon in his/her possession. Instead, alert BWH Police and Security Department or local law enforcement to the location of elevator. BWH Security at EXT: 26565

Staff:

Hale staff will confirm they have the correct patient via Epic and repeat back the pertinent details shared by the provider for Section 12. Staff will then:

1. Dial 9-911 to let them know we are sectioning a patient and provide them with the patient’s current state (i.e., violent, or not, aware they are being sectioned) and the provider’s location.

  * Ask for an ambulance to be sent to 60 Fenwood Road, 1st floor. Provide location, reason for sectioning and the patient’s demographic information (i.e., name, date of birth, etc.). If the patient is violent, request BPD.

2. Call BWH Police and Security at EXT: 26565 to let them know we are sectioning a patient, and they are to stand by until EMS arrives and provide the building, floor, and room #.

3. Print out patient Face Sheet and give to the EMT’s upon arrival.

  * Right click on patient’s appointment
  * Form Reprints
  * Print Face sheet [ID 31012006] “ADM Face Sheet (MGB)”

4. Scan a copy of the completed section 12 form (include patient MRN label) into patient chart in Epic.

Filing a Section 12 for a patient at home:

If a patient you’ve assessed to be at imminent risk of harm to self/others, you can section them from their residence by following these instructions:

  • Recommend patient go to an ED for an evaluation and that you will call emergency services to assist, ask patient to remain at their current location and await emergency services
  • Call 911
  * State the reason for the call: “I am a psychiatrist and a patient I evaluated is at imminent risk of suicide.”
  * 911 will forward you to the local police department, who will review reason for call and ask for physical description of the patient and any safety concerns (weapons).
  * Ask the police department for their fax number
  • Prepare Section 12a
  * Form can be found here
  * For “Application to Facility Name,” put nearest hospital that you are aware of near patient and “or, if necessary, alternative appropriate facility” 
  * When filling out S12a, clearly describe concerning symptoms (likely in more detail than usual) as you may not be able to converse with the receiving hospital 
  * Fax Section 12 to police department
     * Can use Doximity to fax from phone or home computer
     * Fill out form using a PDF program and call the 221 back line at 617-278-0484 to let BPS support staff know that you will be emailing them a section that will need to be faxed from onsite. 
  * If sectioned to a specific hospital, call ahead to inform of ED expect
  * Document in Epic

Caring for High Risk Suicidal Patients in the Virtual Setting

This information is available in the Epic smartphrase .BPSSUICIDECHECKLIST

When there is concern for patient’s ability to maintain safety from suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors, next steps may include:

In Session Interventions

  • Ensure that patient’s address, phone number and emergency contact are up to date in Epic
  • Verify patient’s current location
  • Consider using Columbia Suicidal Assessment Scale and Suicide Risk Assessment (found within the “Charting” tab of an Epic encounter).
  • Create Safety Plan with patient (.BPSSAFETYPLAN) and send a copy to patient through Patient Gateway
  • If patient is unable to complete Safety Plan or participate in safety assessment, follow Section 12 Protocol or contact police department in patient’s geographic area to complete wellness check
  • If sending patient to BWH/BWFH ED under Section 12, enter ED Expect note or page Psych CL team (BH pager: 13088; BWFH: pager 61568 or evenings/weekends: 66001)
  • Additional clinical interventions may include:
    • Identify ways to mitigate risk (discuss disposal of extra medications, ensuring no weapons present, etc.)
    • Limit high risk medication refills to 14 day supply. Contact patient’s other prescribers to discuss limiting refills.
    • Consider contacting patient’s family/supports for collateral information and to increase support for patient

Ongoing Interventions

Note: BWFH PHP often has a wait for admission, may not be rapid admission

  • For concerns related to intimate partner violence, consider Passageway consult:
  • Remember to engage in the self-care component of working with high-risk patients. Access support from supervisor, EAP, or other discipline-specific groups.

Clinical Support

  • Alert supervisor of your specific concerns. Supervisor may review with Medical Director, Risk Management, or other systems supports.
  • Review high risk patients with your supervisor on ongoing basis.
  • In case of adverse event (self-harm, attempted suicide, overdose, etc.) file PMIRT and Safety Report
  • Consider seeking support from On Call Social Worker for assistance with PHP Referral or other resources

Ethics Consult Service

Patients, families, and medical teams may experience uncertainty or disagreement when deciding how to proceed in a given case. The Ethics Consultation Service can assist and support clinicians, patients, and patients’ loved ones as they navigate difficult situations.

Contacting the Ethics Service:

  • Page Ethics at 18590 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm) or email BWHEthicsConsultTeam partners.org
  • Place consult to Ethics in Epic (also page or email – there is no alert for Epic orders)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resources

With thanks to Dr. Susanna Mierau for the list.

For Clinicians:

Autism Speaks:

Autism 2019:

For Patients and Caregivers:

Lurie Center for Autism:

Short articles that explain different reasons why a person may engage in repetitive speech and other behaviors:

BPS Support Staff Phone Numbers

BPS Phone number for patients

  • Main number: 617-732-6753
  • Fax: 617-738-8703

BPS Support Staff

Other useful phone numbers

  • Medical records: 617-726-2361
  • Financial services: 866-736-1510
  • Pacific Interpreters (interpreter services): 617-732-6639
  • Passageways (domestic violence program): 617-732-8753
  • BWH Registration: 855-278-8009
  • Patient Gateway: 800-745-9683
  • ARP (Addiction Recovery Program): 617-983-7060
  • Bridge Clinic: 617-278-0172
  • Patient Family Relations: 617-732-6636
  • BWFH Outpatient Front Desk: 617-983-7474 - option 1
  • BWFH Psychiatry Triage: 617-983-7060 - option 1

Brain Health Groups and Neuropsychology

Flyers for current CBMM groups can be found at:

https://brainhealth.bwh.harvard.edu/renew-flyers/

To refer through Epic, go to the order entry form and enter either "Ambulatory Referral to BWH Cog Rehab/Brain Wellness Groups" or "REF210752." The correct referral order will then appear. You can select the group that best fits the patient’s needs. If you’re unsure which group is the most appropriate, choose "Triage."

To refer a patient for neuropsychological testing through Epic, go to the order entry form and enter either "Ambulatory Referral to BWH Neuropsych Testing" or "REF210751." The correct referral order will then appear.

BPS Psychology Groups

Please refer to the link below for the most current list of group therapy offerings, including CBT, from BPS Psychology. Use the smartphrase .BPSREFERRALPSYCHOLOGY for the referral and route the note to the BWH PSYCH PSYCHOLOGY pool.

BPS Psychology Groups

Referrals to Psychotherapy in the Community

If the patient is capable of finding their own psychotherapist, you can offer the following guide:

How To Find A Psychotherapist

Other resources you may consider:

1. For patients with MassHealth or Medicare, consider sharing website for Massachusetts-mandated Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHC), where patients can find their closest CBHC: https://www.mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers

2. Other resources that may require private insurance:

3. Asking for help from the CHW team (see above)

Referrals to Interventional Psychiatry

For Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), search for "Ambulatory referral to BWH Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)" or "REF12132" and complete the required details. TMS is performed in the Hale Building. More details can be found here: https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurosciences-center/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation

For Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and ketamine/esketamine, use "AMB REFERRAL TO BWFH PSYCH INTERVENTIONS" or "REF5111" and complete the necessary details. Do not select "ECT/Ketamine BWFH Psych Interventions" that also comes up in the search results. Both these procedures are conducted at Faulkner Hospital. More details can be found here: https://www.brighamandwomensfaulkner.org/programs-and-services/psychiatry/interventional-psychiatry

Referrals to Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are helpful alternatives to inpatient hospitalization for patients struggling with day structure and in need of additional support but who do not merit or would not benefit from inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Patients participate in a PHP during the day, typically on a 9 AM - 3 PM schedule, either by attending in person or virtually. These programs usually last 1-4 weeks. The structure of these programs is typically based around group psychotherapy, focusing on psychoeducation, distress tolerance, skill-building, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Most programs involve meetings with a psychiatrist to help make adjustments to medications as well.

There are several PHPs within the MGB system, including Faulkner Hospital (general adult, in-person) and Salem Hospital (general adult, hybrid). Other well-established programs in the area include JP Hospital PHPs (general adult, dual diagnosis), HRI Hospital PHPs (general adult, women's and trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+), Cambridge Health Alliance, and others.

To refer a patient to the Faulkner Hospital PHP, complete a Documentation encounter, populate a note with the SmartPhrase, BPSREFERRALBWFPARTIAL, complete the form, and route it to the BWF PSYCH TRIAGE in-basket pool.

To refer a patient to a PHP other than Faulkner Hospital, please reach out to the SW on-call. Also see the discussion of SW roles and responsibilities above for more details.

Link with Important Tip Sheets

Teams folder with useful documents and tip sheets: Click Here

Examples of what you will find here include:

  • How to do a suicide and safety assessment
  • How to connect to MGB system via VPN
  • How to use interpreter services in Zoom
  • How to use Doximity
  • How to add a camera for your virtual visit
  • How to create a list of open encounters in Epic
  • How to create a caseload tracker in Epic
  • In Basket efficiency tips
  • ... and much more