Bupa Mind Care Choices Program
ii Bupa Mind Care Choices is a specially designed community-based program for Bupa customers consisting of personally tailored mental health services with a range of experienced health professionals.
Bupa Mind Care Choices Program At Bupa, we are committed to helping our customers live longer, healthier happier lives. And we understand that to do this, it s important to support our customers to look after not only their physical health, but their mental health too. That s why we ve developed the Bupa Mind Care Choices Program, to offer you a new community-based choice to help you manage your mental health and care needs. The program is completely voluntary and is provided at no extra cost to eligible Bupa customers. This brochure tells you more about what our Mind Care Choices Program is, who it s for, the benefits of enrolling, who to contact if you are interested in participating, as well as answering some frequently asked questions. What is the Bupa Mind Care Choices Program? Mind Care Choices is a specially designed community-based mental health program for Bupa customers living with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression in Victoria. The pilot program consists of mental health services with a range of health professionals for a limited time. The program is coordinated and delivered by Clarity Health Care. Their team of trained and experienced mental health professionals includes psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, registered nurses and social workers who will personally tailor your care to meet your needs, and support your recovery to help you to stay well. 1
Who is eligible to participate? To be eligible for the program, you will need to be living in Victoria, have diagnosed anxiety and/or depression, and have been sent an invitation letter, or be referred by your treating psychiatrist or GP. You may also need to meet other inclusion criteria. The health professionals at Clarity Health Care can confirm if you are suitable and eligible to participate in the program when you speak to them. What are the benefits of enrolling? If you are eligible and choose to participate in the program, depending on your needs, you may be able to receive individual and group therapy sessions with a psychiatrist and other trained mental health professionals. Therapy sessions can be delivered face-to-face, over the phone or by video conferencing. If necessary, a Clarity health professional can visit you at home. Clarity Health Care will assist you to determine the best course of treatment for you over the phone and at your initial consultation. 2
How do I enroll in the program? As a Bupa customer, enrolment in the program is voluntary and all services are provided at no additional cost to you. We encourage you to consider joining the program. If you would like to participate, you can call Clarity Health Care during office hours on this number: (03) 9448 8323 and ask to speak to the Bupa Mind Care Choices Program Coordinator. If you are eligible and you wish to join the program, you will need to consent to participate and share relevant health information with your treating health professionals and Bupa (e.g. any hospital admissions). If you are currently attending any hospital or other mental health programs or services, please let Clarity Health Care know when you speak to them. Will Bupa share my information? With your permission, Clarity Health Care and Bupa will collect information about your progress in the program. This information will only be used to deliver the program to you, to improve the program to better meet your needs and to evaluate the success of the program. We will only ever disclose your personal or health information, with your permission, to the health professionals assisting you as part of the program. Where can I find out more about the program? If you would like to find out more about the program, you can call Clarity Health Care during office hours on this number: (03) 9448 8323 and ask to speak to the Bupa Mind Care Choices Program Coordinator. 3
Frequently Asked Questions Q. Can I participate if I already have a doctor looking after my mental health? A. If you are eligible and you decide to participate in the program, you can continue to see your own current treating doctor (if you have one). Your doctor (e.g. psychiatrist) can enquire if you are eligible and refer you to the program. Please feel free to show this brochure to them if you would like to. If you do participate in the program, with your permission, Clarity Health Care will notify your treating doctor of your participation, and request any clinical information that may be of assistance in developing your support plan. The Clarity health professionals will also contact your doctor to inform them of your progress during the program. Q. If I enroll in the program, can I stop participating if I need to? A. You will be able to withdraw from the program at any time if you wish to do so. You will need to inform Clarity Health Care of your decision, and they will let Bupa know in due course. Q. What if my psychiatrist doesn t want me to participate? A. We encourage you to discuss the benefits of you participating in this program with your psychiatrist. You and your psychiatrist can find out more about the program by calling Clarity Health Care, to help you make your decision. See Where can I find out more about the program? on page 3. Q. Will I have to pay anything if I enroll in the program? A. The Mind Care Choices Program services are provided at no additional cost to eligible Bupa customers for all the appointments that you attend. However, it is important to note that the program consent form states that if you do not attend your scheduled appointments, or you cancel or reschedule a planned appointment less than 48 hours before your appointment, you will be responsible for any administrative fees that may apply (unless there are extenuating circumstances). Also, if you need to be admitted to hospital, any private health insurance hospital costs, such as any excess and co-payments, will apply to your hospital admission as usual. 4
Q. What happens at the end of the program? A. The program is currently only available for a limited time. At the end of the program, or earlier depending on your needs, Clarity Health Care will ensure your preferred care and supports are in place. They will advise your doctor and facilitate any handover. They will also work with you to develop an agreed transition plan and advise you of any program follow up. Q. Who is Clarity Health Care? A. Clarity Health Care has been providing flexible and collaborative quality care for patients in Victoria since 2013. The service is staffed by trained and experienced mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, registered nurses and social workers. They offer an integrated service of psychiatric care to provide clinical and practical solutions to your mental health concerns. Clarity will work collaboratively with your GP, psychiatrist, and/or other health care providers to achieve the best outcome for you. This includes any family members or loved ones who may also need support or information. Q. Does Clarity Health Care have an after-hours service? A. No. Clarity Health Care only operates within business hours 8:30am 5pm, Monday to Friday, AEST. You will be able to call a dedicated Mind Care Choices phone number after hours. An automated message will encourage you to call again the next day and/or leave a message. Any messages left by program participants will be prioritised and responded to the following business day. If you require urgent assistance out of hours, please contact your GP, or in an emergency call 000 (triple zero). You can also call a crisis support service such as: Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (available 24/7) beyondblue: Call 1300 22 4636 (available 24/7) Visit mindhealthconnect.org.au/crisis-management to find your state s mental health crisis line for immediate expert support (available 24/7) 5
For more information: 134 135 bupa.com.au Visit your local Bupa centre Bupa PO Box 14639 MELBOURNE VIC 8001 Bupa HI Pty Ltd ABN 81 000 057 590 Clarity Health Care (03) 9448 8323 info@clarityhealthcare.com.au www.clarityhealthcare.com.au Please note that Clarity Health Care operates within business hours 8:30am 5pm, Monday to Friday AEST. If you require urgent assistance out of hours please contact your GP, or an alternative crisis support service. Effective September 2017 BRO11882-09-17S The World of Bupa This information has been developed and reviewed for Bupa HI Pty Ltd by health professionals. To the best of their knowledge it is current and based on reputable sources of medical research. It should be used as a guide only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice. Bupa makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. Bupa is not liable for any loss or damage you suffer arising out of the use of or reliance on the information except that which cannot be excluded by law. Fund rules, policy rules and waiting periods apply. We recommend that you consult your doctor or other qualified health professional if you have questions or concerns about your health. Health Cover Health Coaching & Programs International Health Cover Corporate Health Solutions Optical Products & Services Dental Services Aged Care Medical services Travel, Home & Car Insurance Life Insurance Pet Insurance