Medication Policy
Comprehensive Guidelines for Medication Management and Prescriptions
Australia-Based
Our psychiatrists are located in Australia and governed by Australian law.
Online Appointments
Get access to telepsychiatry services from any eligible area.
Comprehensive Services
Our psychiatrists specialise in various fields and various age groups.
Objective
This policy has been established to ensure timely review and reissuance of medications for our patients while maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.
Advance Planning
Patients are required to plan ahead when seeking a medication review or reissue. It is essential to make an appointment well in advance of running out of your prescribed medication. For detailed guidelines on scheduling appointments, please refer to our Appointment Policy.
No Last-Minute Requests
To maintain the consistency of your treatment regimen, we urge patients to be proactive. Please monitor your medication levels regularly and initiate the process of renewal or reordering in advance. Waiting until you’re nearly out can lead to unnecessary gaps in your treatment. Make arrangements when you still have a substantial supply left to ensure you receive your next dose without any disruptions.
Appointment Procedure
To request a medication review or reissue, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We recommend doing so at least three months in advance of your current prescription running out. This gives us ample time to assess your needs and provide the necessary medication.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the patient to monitor their medication levels and make timely appointments for review and reissue. This not only guarantees their uninterrupted medication supply but also allows for any necessary adjustments based on their health status.
Safeguarding Medications
We emphasise the importance of safeguarding your medications. We cannot assume responsibility should they be misplaced. Our policy strictly prohibits the provision of replacements for any lost medication. Ensure that your medication is stored in a secure and consistent location to prevent any potential loss.
Out-of-Town Prescriptions
If a patient is away from their hometown, the issuance of a new prescription is not possible. It is the patient’s responsibility to ensure they have their prescription with them. We are unable to issue a new prescription due to government regulations.
Appointments and Prescription Management
To ensure that all patients receive the best possible care, it is crucial that scheduled appointments are not missed. Due to high demand for our doctors’ time, missed appointments may result in delays in receiving necessary care and medications. For detailed guidelines on appointment management, please refer to our Appointment Policy.
System Dependencies
Appointments: Managed on a cloud-based server and Halaxy. Temporary unavailability may interrupt appointments.
Medications: Managed on a cloud-based server, Halaxy, eRx, and government APIs. Temporary unavailability may delay prescriptions.
Service Interruptions
In the event that JAAS Psych services become interrupted or temporarily unavailable, JAAS Psych is not liable for these interruptions. However, we are committed to promptly resolving any issues to restore services and provide any outstanding care or prescriptions.
Urgent ePrescription Requests
In an effort to streamline the management of stimulant prescriptions under special circumstances, our practice will charge an administrative fee of $120 for stimulant or restricted medication(s) or $90 for other medication(s) to evaluate and issue urgent ePrescriptions. This applies in cases including lost prescriptions, GP unavailability, absence of an appointment, and urgent medication requests.
Process for Urgent ePrescriptions:
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The patient requests the prescription.
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Our administrative team discusses the request with the doctor, who will either recommend scheduling an appointment or agree to issue the prescription without an appointment.
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If the prescription is approved without an appointment, the patient pays the determined administrative fee, the doctor is informed, and the prescription is issued.
Emergency Protocols
Should an uncommon situation arise where urgent medication is needed, patients are advised to promptly consult with a general practitioner or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
Prescription Renewals
Patients needing prescription renewals should contact our office well in advance. The process involves a review of the patient’s medical history and current treatment plan to ensure the continued appropriateness of the medication.
Medication Reviews
Regular medication reviews are essential to assess the efficacy and safety of ongoing treatments. These reviews help in adjusting dosages or switching medications if necessary.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
All prescriptions and medication management practices at JAAS Psych Consultants comply with Australian laws and regulations. This includes adherence to guidelines for prescribing controlled substances and ensuring patient safety.
Review and Updates to Policy
This Medication Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect current best practices and legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on our website, and your continued use of our services will be deemed acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or further clarification regarding this policy, please contact us at:
Email: info@jaaspsych.com.au
We’re Not An Emergency Service
Telehealth services, including those provided by JAAS Psych, are not for emergencies. In case of immediate risk, dial 000 or visit your local hospital’s emergency department.
If you are seeking additional supports, please see below.
Lifeline
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Beyond Blue
Whether you're seeking mental health information or 24/7 qualified support for you or someone else, Beyond Blue here for you.
headspace
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.