What happens during a Medication Management appointment?
During your initial appointment, a licensed medical professional will review your medical history and lifestyle to determine how they may impact your mental health. Indicators such as diet, supplements, and any medications you are currently taking can impact your physical and mental health, so your provider will want to have a full picture of your situation. Because Medication Management is such an individualized process, this also allows them to best cater your treatment options to you.
Does your current medication need management?
There are several reasons your current medication may need to be reviewed by a trained medical professional, which include:
- Price: If patients cannot afford their medications, they will be less likely to comply with dosage instructions properly. Ask a doctor if you find yourself in this situation, and they can help you find a generic brand or similar medication to help you out.
- Too many medications: Sometimes, patients become overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of medications they’re expected to take on a daily basis. By analyzing your medication routine and mental health conditions, a psychiatrist can help determine ways to eliminate unnecessary medications.
- Side effects: Another situation in which a patient might take their medication irregularly is if they experience negative side effects. Being upfront with your doctor about these problems can allow them to help find you a solution that avoids these negative effects.
- Access: It’s important to always have access to your medication(s). If you frequently travel or have had difficulty getting refills in the past, you may consider seeing a doctor to find a solution.
Does Medicare cover Medication Management?
For those on a Medicare drug plan who take medications, there is a free Medication Therapy Management program. To determine if you are eligible for this program, contact those in charge of your plan. If you are eligible, you will be able to speak with your doctor about:
- Issues you are having with your medication(s).
- Possible interactions with other drugs.
- The affordability of your medication(s).
- A plan of action for your mental healthcare.
Is there anxiety Medication Management near Austin, TX?
Yes! Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses for which people seek Medication Management. Our skilled team of mental health professionals is highly experienced at helping find relief for those suffering from anxiety.
How do I combine Medication Management with psychotherapy?
In the 1970s, a series of studies established that combining psychotherapy with medication led to the best results for patients, ending a separation between the two. Ever since, professionals have been combining the two when it proves beneficial. This is not the case for all mental illnesses, but conditions like depression have shown vast improvement combining Medication Management with psychotherapy. Scheduling an appointment with a trained psychiatrist can help you determine if both therapies are right for you.
What are the five rights of Medication Management?
In an effort to reduce inadvertent harm caused by medication, a series of rights have been established when it comes to Medication Management, which are:
- the right patient
- the right drug
- the right dose
- the right route
- the right time
By adhering to these guidelines, errors in medication use can be minimized, preventing any unnecessary harm to patients. The job of the mental health practitioner is to follow these procedures as closely as possible.
Sources:
Combining Drug Therapy and Psychotherapy for Depression. Psychiatric Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/combining-drug-therapy-and-psychotherapy-depression.
The Five Rights of Medication Administration: IHI. Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
https://www.ihi.org/insights/five-rights-medication-administration#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20recommendations%20to,route%2C%20and%20the%20right%20time.
Medication Management Strategy. AHRQ. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/medmanage.html.
