Name of the Procedure:

Partial Hospitalization Services, Less than 24 hours, per diem (S0201)

Summary

Partial hospitalization services provide intensive, structured mental health treatment during the day, allowing patients to return home in the evening. These services include therapy, medication management, and skills training in a supportive environment.

Purpose

Partial hospitalization aims to help individuals with serious mental health conditions stabilize and avoid full inpatient hospitalization. The goal is to provide intensive care that addresses acute symptoms while allowing patients to maintain some daily routines and support systems.

Indications

• Severe depression or anxiety that requires more support than outpatient care.
• Individuals recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric care needing continued support.
• Those experiencing significant distress but not to the extent that warrants 24-hour hospitalization.

Preparation

• Ensure a comprehensive evaluation and referral from a primary care provider or mental health professional.
• Discuss current medications with the provider to make necessary adjustments.
• Arrange transportation to and from the facility daily.

Procedure Description

1. Admission: The patient arrives at the facility in the morning for daily check-in and assessment.
2. Therapy Sessions: Throughout the day, patients participate in individual and group therapy sessions.
3. Medication Management: Medication prescribing and monitoring are done by psychiatrists or nurse practitioners.
4. Skills Training: Patients engage in educational sessions that focus on coping mechanisms, stress management, and life skills.
5. Discharge: Patients return home in the late afternoon or evening.

Tools and equipment include therapy materials, assessment tools, and electronic health records for managing patient information.

Duration

Each daily session typically lasts 6-8 hours, continuing over several days or weeks based on individual needs and progress.

Setting

Partial hospitalization services are conducted in specialized outpatient facilities, community mental health centers, or hospital-based programs.

Personnel

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Licensed therapists (e.g., social workers, counselors)
• Psychiatric nurses
• Support staff (e.g., case managers)

Risks and Complications

• Emotional distress from intensive therapy sessions
• Potential for incomplete stabilization if symptoms escalate

Benefits

• Intensive support without the need for overnight hospitalization.
• Structured environment promoting quicker stabilization.
• Ability to maintain daily routines and familial support.

Recovery

• Daily engagement in therapeutic activities.
• Regular follow-ups to monitor progress.
• Adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
• Return to less intensive outpatient therapy upon completion.

Alternatives

• Full inpatient hospitalization for more severe cases.
• Standard outpatient therapy for less intensive needs.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offering a middle ground.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel a significant amount of emotional work during sessions but also sense relief from the structured support. Pain management and comfort measures are typically centered around psychological and emotional support, with a focus on creating a safe and therapeutic environment.