Alberta Health and Wellness announces Registered Psychiatric Nurses can apply for Practitioner identification number.
Effective October 1, 2009, Community Psychiatric Nurses may refer patients directly to Psychiatrists for consultations in the form of a verbal or written communication (fax, email and letter). The Psychiatrist will then do a patient history, an evaluation and review of diagnostic data and provide a written opinion with recommendations regarding treatment to the referring Community Psychiatric Nurse. Community Psychiatric Nurses will not receive payment from AHW for referring their patients to Psychiatrists; this process will enhance patient care, improve access and provide continuity of care. It will also enable the Psychiatrists to receive payment at a referral rate.
In order for Psychiatrists to receive payment for claims referred from Community Psychiatric Nurses they must submit the claim with the Practitioner Identification Number (PRAC ID) of the referring Community Psychiatric Nurse.
Community Psychiatric Nurses must register with AHW for a PRAC ID number if they wish to make direct referrals and have the Psychiatrist receive payment for claims referred by them. If you have any questions please call Alberta Health & Wellness, at 780.422.1522 or toll free in Alberta at 310.0000 then 780.422.1522. Practitioner Information Form AHC0912