You are reminded of the following:
Your stimulant treatment is covered by the Schedule 8 Medicines Prescribing Code (HDWA 2016, updated December 2023). This places responsibilities and restrictions on both of us.
By accepting treatment from myself and the doctors that work with me, you understand (and agree to) the following.
1. Diagnosis follows a comprehensive evaluation of your mental health. I use pre-interview questionnaires to collect important information and establish a baseline for your symptoms. The final diagnosis can only be made after a clinical interview. Corroborative information (previous treatment records, views of significant others, school reports, psychological assessments etc) are important.
2. Treatment with stimulants proceeds through three stages. I refer to these as titration, stabilisation, and maintenance. Regular reviews are required.
3. Treatment follows a biopsychosocial and educational model. I provide medication and education (the latter might be at interview, or from the materials available or recommended on my website, or that we send to you). Psychological/Coaching approaches have an important role for some people. Recommended sources are on my website. I am happy to have an appointment with those close to you (with your consent of course). It is most useful if your significant other attends the initial interview.
4. We use telehealth. This is a broad term. It includes videoconference, telephone, and email. We will use all these modalities at different times. We do not use telephone contact outside of an appointment.
reception@drtonymander.com
is the key address you should use when contacting us. Do not use individual doctor’s names unless you are involved in a conversation with them. Do not use thefacetime/meet link addresses, that associated with the website, or the address that your script comes from (which is not part of our clinic).
5. Your reviews will consist of:
i. A series of scheduled appointments which must be kept.
ii. Completion of a treatment review form each time you request medication. This prompts a full review of your case, and a decision made regarding ongoing medication. You may be asked further questions or be required to have an appointment if there are concerns.
iii. Your questions posed by email to us. These are reviewed, as is your case file, before providing you with an answer. This is the telehealth equivalent of an office appointment. However, if you would prefer a telephone or videoconference appointment this will be arranged at your request.
6. You must comply with your treatment conditions. The most common area of disagreement involves compliance (usually involving medication, appointments, or payments). If we cannot resolve the matter quickly you will be placed on our transitional list.
7. If we cannot resolve matters, then your treatment with us must come to an end. This will include removing you from the HDWA register and cancelling your prescription token. If you are intending to seek treatment elsewhere, I will provide you with our standard transfer letter at your request. I will ensure you have sufficient medication to last 3 months (subject to you having paid all outstanding fees and a retainer sufficient to cover the time). If a problem arises within that 3 months and before you see your new psychiatrist, I will continue to provide you with advice to ensure maintenance of your mental health and a seamless transfer. However, if you have threatened us, or done anything else to damage the doctor-patient relationship, this will likely not be available to you.
8. If I have concerns about your mental health, safety, or safety of others, or believe there is an issue to do with your use of medication, I will instruct you to stop the medication immediately. Your prescription tokens will be cancelled, and no further prescriptions issued until matters are clarified.
9. Our letters to your GP will be uploaded to your ‘My Health Record’ unless you have opted out or withdraw permission for us to use that.
Your HDWA Contract States
I understand that a Schedule 8 medicine is to be prescribed to me to improve my level of functioning. My medical practitioner and I have discussed that this medicine may only be partially helpful in achieving this goal and on occasion will not help at all. I understand that this medicine is only one part of the management of my condition. My medical practitioner and I agree to the following conditions regarding my treatment and for the prescribing for my condition:
1. My medical practitioner is responsible for prescribing a safe and effective dose of my medication. I will not use my medication other than at the dose prescribed and I will discuss any changes in my dose with my medical practitioner.
2. I am responsible for the security of my medication. Lost, misplaced or stolen medicines or prescriptions will not be replaced.
3. I will only obtain my medication from the medical practitioner who signs this contract, or other doctors in the same practice authorised to prescribe to me. I understand that no early prescriptions will be provided.
4. Whilst most people do not have any serious problems with this type of medicine when used as directed, there can be side effects. My medical practitioner has explained the main ones to me, and I will tell him or her if I experience what could be side effects.
5. I am aware that my medical practitioner may be required to gain authorisation from the Department of Health for continued prescription of my medication.
6. As dependence is possible during the management of my condition, I have informed my medical practitioner of any present or past dependence on alcohol or drugs that I may have had, and of any illegal activity related to any drugs (including prescription medicines) that I may have been involved in.
7. I am aware that providing my medication to other people is illegal and could be dangerous to them.
8. My medical practitioner respects my right to participate in decisions about my condition and will explain the risks, benefits and side effects of any treatment.
9. My medical practitioner and I will work together to improve my level of functioning.
10. I understand that my medical practitioner may stop prescribing my medication or change the treatment plan if my level of activity has not improved, if I do not show signs of improvement, or if I fail to comply with any of the conditions listed above.