Geri-Psych Admissions

3. Once the patient has been medically cleared, call the Geri Psych floor (705-6620) and let the social worker or intake nurse know you have a patient. Their job is to verify that (1) the patient has a qualifying psychiatric diagnosis and (2) the patient's functional level is appropriate for their floor (ie, no bed bound patients). They can do this over the phone, or they may come to the ED to speak with the patient or their family.

4. Once a psychiatric condition has been established, the intake person will call their psychiatrist. Their next move should be to transfer the psychiatrist on the phone to you for the doc-to-doc. This should occur without delay.

5. Most of the patients who are transferred to Senior Behavioral Health will need an Emergency Detention. Go ahead and call SAPD upon the patient's arrival. The only patients who can forego the ED demonstrate (1) the capacity to understand why they are going to Geri-Psych and (2) a voluntary desire to be admitted. If a patient lacks capacity or is not voluntary, then an ED is needed.

6. If the patient is found to have an acute medical condition that is beyond the scope of the Geri-Psych floor, then admit to the medicine service according to the usual PCP preference.

7. If the patient does not have a qualifying psychiatric condition and is stable for discharge, then send the patient home. Please note that nursing homes cannot refuse to take the patient back.

Thanks for your patience getting these often complicated patients admitted to the Geri-Psych service. Please know that administration is on board with facilitating a smooth transition through the ED. The Geri-Psych service should be taking these patients off our hands expediently once they have been medically cleared.

Geri geriatric geriatrics psych psychiatric psychiatry