Page 163 - Demo

General discussion1617MID is identified, it is crucial that this information, with the patient’s consent, is shared with other involved professionals.An IQ test, not as simple as you thinkIn the case of a strong suspicion of MID, the practitioner can refer the patient for an IQ test. It can be helpful to request an IQ test including a psychodiagnostics assessment. This assessment ensures that, in addition to the overall IQ score, specific needs across different areas of skills (language, practical skills, emotional, processing speed, and so on) are assessed and identified. In the context of person-centred care, having a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s abilities allows the practitioner to tailor care and support optimally to the individual patient. Additionally, an IQ test is sometimes mandatory before referring a patient to specialized ID services. However, for GPs, it is not always clear where an IQ test can be administered and how it is reimbursed, resulting in prolonged uncertainty at times, potentially denying patients the right care and support (Chapter 6). To facilitate referral for an IQ test, a regionally up-to-date overview of organisations accessible for the practitioner is needed. A logical place could be the ZorgDomein referral e-module, 13 where Dutch GPs are accustomed to request various diagnostic examinations. However, an IQ test is often not offered as a stand-alone diagnostic examination in the medical domain and thus falls outside the ZorgDomein referral module. This may be because an IQ test is reimbursed by basic health insurance only if it is part of a treatment package. 14 I find this hard to comprehend, given that an IQ test is a prerequisite for person-centred care and moreover needed to access more specialized forms of (MH) care before any treatment can be started. Full reimbursement of an IQ test, including psychodiagnostics assessment, by basic health insurance is therefore needed and can potentially reduce healthcare costs, as it may ensure that patients receive more appropriate care and support.Adequate registration of MID in the medical fileOnce the MID is established, it is important that practitioners register the MID in a nuanced and standardized way in the patient’s medical file. Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 161 24-06-2024 16:26