The intake department at Shands Vista functions in a triage and assessment role to assist our physicians in determining the appropriateness and prioritization of admissions and facilitating appropriate referrals when a patient does not require inpatient admission. Our intake counselors also complete the pre-certification of admission with the patient's insurance carrier.

We will need the following patient information from your office staff:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Insurance carrier, contract and group numbers
• Insurance subscriber's name, date of birth and social security number
• Insurance company's customer service phone number

By having answers ready to the questions listed below, you can assist in the admission decision.

Presenting problem

• What behaviors and/or symptoms are observed or reported?
• What is the expected outcome of the inpatient admission?
• Has there been an abrupt or gradual change in the patient's symptoms?
• Is the patient's admission voluntary or involuntary?

Mental status

• What is the patient's current state, affect, mood, sleep, appetite, cognitive functioning, and symptom of psychosis?

Suicidal risk, homicidal risk, and concern for violence

• Is there a history of suicide attempts known? If so, what were the methods used? Is there a current plan?
• Is there a current or past behavior of violence?

History of prior treatment

• Has the patient had previous inpatient or outpatient treatment? Is there a history of detoxification?

Current medications

• What medications is the patient taking? What are the dosages?
• What is the patient's medication compliance level?

Medical information

• What medical conditions is the patient experiencing?

Additional information

Additional clinical information that is helpful in the decision-making process may relate to your experience with the patient, presence of a support system, or family preferences. An emergency contact for the patient also is helpful.

You will be advised if your patient does not arrive at our facility.

Information

To learn more about Shands Vista, please call 352.265.5497.

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