Our Services

PGS contracts with long-term care facilities to provide mental health services to residents in a manner that meets the multiple goals required by today's environment. These services are delivered to the patient within the facility in coordination with the nursing home team. All services provided by PGS must meet several basic requirements: They must be medically necessary. PGS has developed a set of clinical pathways and guidelines based on behaviors and moods that define both necessity and treatment options. PGS is committed to providing care that is both effective and efficient. PGS services are most effective when delivered in an environment in which the facilities' professional staff are included in the rationale, method and expectations of treatment. PGS provides a number of services to facility staff to assure that the delivery of psychiatric care occurs in the broader context of medical care for which the facility and primary care physician are responsible. These services are described in the subsequent section entitled Administrative Services. PGS documents all services provided. PGS has developed a system beginning with the initial referral which collects, aggregates and sorts data into meaningful information that can be used by the facility, its staff and the primary care physician for a variety of purposes. The data collection in mental health care is consistent with the requirements and content of the Minimum Data Set.

The comprehensive spectrum of services includes:

Psychiatric Assessment: At the request of the primary care physician, the staff, or the family or resident, PGS provides a comprehensive psychiatric assessment of the resident, recommends a treatment plan, and refers the patient for necessary ongoing care.

Medication Management: PGS psychiatrists manage medication for residents where appropriate and provide data and reports on the efficacy of medication vis-a-vis changes in behaviors and mood, the resident's condition, and interactions with other medications.

Psychotherapy: If deemed medically necessary, PGS also provides psychotherapy through its licensed psychologists, social workers, and nurse practioners. Services include assessment, individual counseling, and family therapy.

Crisis Intervention: PGS psychiatrists are available 24 hours each day to assist staff in managing crisis behaviors either via telephone or, if the situation warrants, in person. PGS response times in crisis situations are contractually defined.

Hospital Placement: PGS has a collaborative arrangement with many local hospitals. PGS providers will assist facilities in identifying the most appropriate placement when patients require admission to a hospital. Referrals are also made to other psychiatric facilities when requested by the nursing home or the resident’s family.
PGS Referral Form: To assure that referrals are appropriate, timely and made with as little administrative burden as possible on the part of the facility's staff, PGS has developed a Referral Form. This form can be completed rapidly based on observed behaviors or mood and faxed with a copy of the resident's face sheet to PGS.

Staff Training in Resident Management: Routinely, during the course of its contract with a facility, PGS professionals provide the staff with seminars on a wide variety of clinical topics including the management of specific behaviors and the psychopharmacological specifics of various drugs. Topics are tailored to the needs of the staff and the characteristics of the population they serve.

Documentation and Reporting: Documentation and Reporting on Quality, Medical Necessity and Regulatory Compliance. PGS' system provides the facility with data and information consistent with the requirements and content of MDS.

Facility and Program Consultation: PGS staff will participate in the regular quality assurance meetings and help ensure that each facility is in compliance with standards of psychiatric care.  At the request of the facility, PGS professionals will review clinical operations or programs and offer recommendations.