Southern Star Community Services
|
Southern Star Community Services
|
|
Access, Authorizations and Audits (AAA) Obtaining Services Individuals may seek services from Southern Star Community Services on their own or a referral may be made by a concerned family member or friend, physicians, other health professionals, hospitals or other agencies. Services are accessed and appointments are made through the Access, Authorizations and Audits unit (AAA). Appointments can be made by calling AAA at 229-931-2404 or going to one of the agency sites where a staff member will provide assistance in contacting AAA. Once a call is received, a staff member of AAA will obtain enough information to determine the needs of the person being referred. If it is determined that Southern Star Community Services provides services to meet those needs, an initial intake appointment will be given within five (5) days of the initial referral. If needed services are not available, information on appropriate community resources will be provided. At the initial intake appointment, a trained mental health professional will perform an assessment which includes asking questions regarding the presenting problem, any experiences that have affected the mental/emotional well being or daily of the consumer. This will help determine what services are needed. During the initial appointment the consumer will receive information about Southern Star Community Services, the available services, and the agency policy on consumer rights and confidentiality. Each person enrolled for services will receive a psychiatric evaluation. Every effort is made to have the consumer seen by a physician, usually a consulting psychiatrist, within thirty (30) days of the first appointment, earlier if possible. The doctor will officially order the services to be provided and will make a determination regarding the need to prescribe medications. All services and medications recommended by Southern Star Community Services are voluntary.
Central Intake Making Appointments The mission of the Central Intake Unit is to provide crisis assessments, interventions, and assess DSM-IV diagnoses. Referrals are made for individuals seeking services to the appropriate program within the Southern Star Community Services system. Assessments are conducted as soon as possible for those in crisis, and on a schedule for those with less emergent needs. Individuals served are those who may be in crisis and require immediate intervention, persons with psychiatric disorders (mental health and/or developmental disability), substance abuse problem, or co-morbid psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. Prior to admission, a person must voluntarily request or consent to screening and assessment, be appropriately screened which may include medical clearance by designated professional staff, and meet eligibility requirements for services. No one is refused admission based on inability to pay for services. Southern Star Community Services accepts Medicaid as payment in full. Medicare and health insurance claims will be filed, and consumers may be responsible for a co-payment. A sliding fee based on the household income may be assessed. The clinicians in the Central Intake Unit are available to assess incoming consumers Monday through Friday during regular business hours, and evenings and weekends by appointment. Central Intake is part of the Access, Authorizations and Audits unit which is located in Americus with satellite sites in Cordele and Montezuma. Referral to services include: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outpatient Clinics Day Support Mental Health Programs Day Services for Substance Abuse Substance Abuse Residential Program for Women Community Support Residential Programs The Central Intake Unit also provides Crisis Intervention Services which include: Mental Health Professional On-Call 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week Services Crisis Hotline (1-800-342-7843) Access, Authorizations and Audits Unit In-Patient Hospitalization Referrals to state hospitals and contracted crisis stabilization unit beds. back to top of page back to services page
|
|
Send mail to
webadmin@middleflintbhc.org with
questions or comments about this web site. |
Southern Star Community Services
proudly operates CARF accredited units.