Provider Guidelines

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PBH and NCQA Requirements for Treatment Records and Clinical Documentation

Published: October, 2001

Clinical Assessment
Treatment Plan
Progress Notes
Provider Discharge Summary

1. Clinical Assessment

The clinical assessment must include all of the following:

  • Special status situations including imminent risk assessment and conservatorship, if appropriate
  • Mental status examination.
  • Presenting problem including relevant psychological and social conditions affecting medical and psychiatric status.
  • Allergies and adverse reactions clearly documented.
  • Lack of known allergies and sensitivities to pharmaceuticals and other substances prominently noted. (i.e.,"NKA")
  • Medical history including current medications and dosages, history of medication trials and results, and relevant medical conditions and their impact on emotional and behavioral functioning.
  • For children and adolescents, prenatal events and developmental history documented.
  • For patients twelve and older, documentation of past and present use of cigarettes, alcohol, illicit, prescribed and over the counter drugs.
  • Assessment of strengths/weaknesses that impact stabilization efforts.
  • Diagnostic impressions using current DSM diagnostic codes, terminology and multi-axial diagnosis.


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2. Treatment Plan

The treatment plan must include all of the following:

  • Treatment plans consistent with diagnoses.
  • Problem statements concerning the primary treatment issues and the focus of the patient's treatment.
  • Treatment goals that are specific, objective, measurable and expressed in behavioral terms.
  • Estimated time frames for goal attainment or problem resolution.
  • Focus of treatment interventions consistent with the treatment plan goals and objectives.
  • Informed consent for medication is documented.
  • Plans for adjunctive treatment and referrals.
  • Signature of therapist.
  • Evidence of patient involvement in and understanding of the treatment planning process through either a patient signature or documentation by the treating clinician.


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3. Progress Notes

Progress notes must include all of the following:

  • Name of the patient.
  • Date of the sessions.
  • Session number.
  • Treatment modality.
  • Problems as defined in the treatment plan are addressed in session.
  • Patient's strengths and limitations are clearly documented in terms of achieving treatment plan goals and objectives and maintaining stabilization over time.
  • Interventions used are consistent with the treatment plan.
  • Outcome of the interventions and/or progress in treatment are clearly documented.
  • For medication management cases, interventions should include documentation of the medications prescribed with doses and frequencies; and treatment outcomes should include responses to and compliance with those medications.
  • Patients who become homicidal, suicidal, or unable to conduct activities of daily living are promptly referred to the appropriate level of care through PBH care management.
  • The treatment record documents preventive services as appropriate, such as relapse prevention, stress management, wellness programs, lifestyle changes, and referrals to community resources.
  • Continued goals/plans for treatment (must be in objective and measurable form).
  • Therapist's signature and degree/license.
  • As applicable, treatment should include the use of homework assignments and compliance with homework assignments should be documented.
  • Documentation reflects continuity of care between prescribing and non-prescribing clinicians, the clinician and the primary care physician, consultants, ancillary providers, and health care institutions; PBH's Health Care Coordination Form has been used to coordinate care with the Primary Care Physician (PCP).
  • Documentation evidences that PBH access standards have been met.


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4. Provider Discharge Summary

The discharge summary must include all of the following:

  • A narrative disposition of the discharge.
  • The dates of follow-up appointments or, as appropriate, a discharge plan which includes appropriate aftercare plans.


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Sunday, February 05, 2012