Service contacts are not restricted to in-person communication but can include telephone, video link or other forms of direct communication.

CODE 1   Yes

This code is to be used for service contacts between a mental health service provider and the patient/client in whose clinical record the service contact would normally warrant a dated entry, where the patient/client is participating.

CODE 2   No

This code is to be used for service contacts between a mental health service provider and a third party(ies) where the patient/client, in whose clinical record the service contact would normally warrant a dated entry, is not participating.

For the purposes of activity based funding this item can be derived from existing data elements.

Specialised ambulatory - mental health care service contacts: this item can be derived from Mental health service contact- patient/client participation indicator, yes/no code N

Non-specialised ambulatory - non-admitted patient service events: For these events the indicator should always indicate Yes, unless the reported service event is an occurrence of a multi-disciplinary case conference where the patient is not present.