New Procedures for Medication Management Appointments
Northwestern Mental Health Center is developing processes that will increase access to services for existing and new clients in need of psychiatry and medication services. Upwards of 30% of our scheduled appointments are missed. This leaves individuals in need of appointments unable to access services when needed, or appointments are scheduled so far out that the immediate need has subsided.
In an effort to resolve this issue, NWMHC is implementing what we are calling Just In Time Scheduling. The goal is for existing clients to receive a follow-up appointment within 5-7 business days from when they call.
For example, if you have an appointment with your medication provider on July 1st, and the provider wants you to come back in 2 months, the staff will give you a reminder card that says, “To schedule your follow-up appointment with the medication provider, please call (218) 281-3940 on: August 26th”. When you call on August 26th, the access staff will schedule your appointment with your medication provider between August 29th and September 5th (5 to 7 business days).
Open Access Hours for New Clients
We’ve also implemented Open Access blocks for new patients in need of an initial psychiatry service. New clients can call or walk-in during these Open Access times without making an appointment.
| Crookston | Adults Monday-Friday 10:00am-12:00pmCrookston | Children Monday-Friday 10:00am-11:00am(may expand time after evaluation) | East Grand Forks | Adults Monday – Thursday 10:00am-12:00pmEast Grand Forks | Children Monday-Friday 10:00am-11:00am | Warren | Adults Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pmHallock/Karlstad Monday, every other week* 10:00am-12:00pm*Start date TBD |
Missed Appointments
If you miss a scheduled appointment without notifying NWMHC within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment, you will have to see a medication provider on a walk-in basis. The provider may not be who you normally see, your appointment may be over telehealth, and walk-in refill blocks are limited. We will NOT be able to call medication refills into your pharmacy until you have successfully completed the walk-in appointment.
Walk-In Refill Clinic Hours
| Crookston | Adults Monday-Friday 4:00-5:00 pmCrookston | Children Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:30-8:30 am | East Grand Forks | Adults Monday – Thursday 4:00-5:00 pmEast Grand Forks | Children Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:30-9:30 am |
The walk-in appointment is a brief appointment to continue your CURRENT medications.
Thank you for your patience as we implement this new system to better serve you. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 218-281-3940.