Independent Medical Examinations in Psychiatry
Independent Medical Examinations in Psychiatry include (Fitness For Duty, total permanent disability (TPD) assessments, and work cover reports/worker’s compensation claim reports)
Medical evidence
Your claims manager must consider the medical professional’s diagnosis of your injury or disease to decide if it is a compensable condition.
Diagnosis is based on:
- history
- examination
- testing.
A claims manager must establish whether the history on which the medical diagnosis is based is consistent with the information in your claim. If there is is an inconsistency, your claims manager can:
- choose not to accept the medical diagnosis because it does not fully or accurately reflect the facts
- ask the medical professional, or an independent specialist, for clarification
- where there are conflicting medical diagnoses, make a decision based on the diagnosis with the most weight. For example, a diagnosis may have more weight because the medical professional is more highly qualified.
It is important to note that medical professionals do not determine liability. It is your claims manager’s responsibility to determine liability in accordance with Comcare’s function and powers under the SRC Act.
Dr D’Souza has expertise in Compensation claims and Medicolegal Reports .
Medicolegal reports are often a matter of priority, and an immediate post-assessment brief opinion will be provided, followed by the usual extended report.
Independent Medical Examinations in Psychiatry
Dr D’Souza has expertise in DVA medicolegal reports.
Recognising the uniqueness of each person and issue, Dr D’Souza will engage with veterans with respect and humility. This values-based approach is underpinned by persistence, openness and honesty. Further information on permanently injured compensation is available on DVA website.
Permanent telehealth arrangements will benefit DVA clients by enabling flexible access to health care delivered both in person and by telehealth services.
What Is A DVA Mental Health Claim?
A DVA Mental Health claim is a claim made by a former ADF member for compensation regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries or diseases linked to their time in service. These claims are intended to provide financial cover for the medical, hospital and associated allied health services linked with treating eligible veterans, their spouses and dependents.
Mental health is a lot more than the absence of illness: it is an intrinsic part of our individual and collective health and well-being. World Mental Health Report shows, to achieve the global objectives set out in the WHO “Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030” and the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to transform our attitudes, actions and approaches to promote and protect mental health, and to provide and care for those in need.
Independent Medical Examinations in Psychiatry
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor. After MBBS, doctors have to complete additional 5 years of specialized training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of physical and mental health – and how they affect each other.
They help people with mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD , anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia and addiction.
Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications.
Treatments for mental health illness
Is mental illness treatable?
Mental illness can be treated! There are a range of mental health treatments. Psychological therapies can be helpful for people affected by a mental illness. At times medications are needed.
Medication is only one part of the treatment for mental illness. It is usually offered together with psychological therapies, education, and lifestyle advice.
Most medications used to treat mental illness are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia.
The PBS reduces the cost of medications for Australian residents.
What are the types of psychological treatments?
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy
Family therapy
Group therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Mentalisation-based therapy
Mindfulness
Motivational interviewing
Supportive psychotherapy
Can I see a psychiatrist first without seeing a therapist?
Yes. You can see a psychiatrist if you have a referral from your GP.
Common reasons why someone might see a psychiatrist-
- problems adjusting after major life changes or stress
- anxiety, worry or fear
- depressed or low mood that doesn’t go away
- thoughts of hurting other people
- hurting yourself on purpose
- too much energy, being unable to sleep
- constant negative thoughts
- obsessional thinking
- feeling on edge or jumpy
- feeling like people are after you or want to harm you
- hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
- rushing, disjointed thoughts
- out of control alcohol or drug use
- problem gambling, gaming or other addictive behaviours
- problems around body image, eating or dieting
- memory problems
- poor concentration and attention, hyperactivity
- violence, agitation or emotional outbursts
- insomnia and other sleep problems
- conditions that start in childhood such as autism, intellectual disability and childhood anxiety.
Can psychiatrists help with ADHD?
Psychiatrists are the best-placed specialists to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.
How is Adult ASD diagnosed in Australia?
There are two distinct pathways when seeking an adult diagnosis. Assessments can be conducted by a psychologist, or by a psychiatrist, with experience in assessing autism. Both will conduct some form of standardized testing for autism and other conditions.
For adults a diagnosis may be useful for:
- getting a better understanding of any difficulties you have
- learning useful ways to cope
- finding a community of people who are going through the same thing
- getting proper treatment for any mental health issues.
Language skills, socialising and the ability to perform daily tasks can be improved in all children/adults with autism.
Medicare referrals
How long are Medicare referrals valid? What is an indefinite referral?
Medicare referrals from a GP are valid for 12 months. Medicare requires all current patients to have a valid referral. You can request your GP for an indefinite referral. With a medicare referral, you can get a rebate for the consultation.
An indefinite referral is a referral that does not have an end date. If a patient needs continuing care, GPs can write a referral beyond 12 months or for an indefinite period.
Do you accept DVA or open arms referrals?
Open Arms referrals are accepted. DVA referrals are accepted.
Dr D’Souza accepts DVA/ Veterans referrals.
Dr D’Souza has expertise in DVA Psychiatric reports.
DVA reports for Permanent Impairment are often requested by the DVA delegate.
Independent Medical Examinations in Psychiatry
Psychiatrist Canberra
