The primary goal of care that is reflected in the patient's mental health treatment plan.

It reflects a prospective assessment of the primary goal of care at the time of collection, rather than a retrospective assessment.

CODE 1   Acute

The primary goals of care are intended to reduce high levels of distress, manage complex symptoms, contain and reduce immediate risk.

CODE 2   Functional gain

The primary goal of care is to improve personal, social or occupational functioning or promote psychosocial adaptation in a patient with impairment arising from a psychiatric disorder.

CODE 3   Intensive extended

The primary goal of care is prevention or minimisation of further deterioration, and reduction of risk of harm in a patient who has a stable pattern of severe symptoms, frequent relapses or severe inability to function independently and is judged to require care over an indefinite period.

CODE 4   Consolidating gain

The primary goal of care is to maintain the level of functioning, or improving functioning during a period of recovery, minimise deterioration or prevent relapse where the patient has stabilised and functions relatively independently. Consolidating gain may also be known as maintenance.

CODE 7 Not applicable

The phase of mental health care is not applicable.

CODE 9    Not stated/inadequately described

This code is not for use in primary data collections.

Previously reported CODE 5 (Assessment only) has been removed as a mental health phase of care and redefined as an administrative data item. This is captured in Episode of care—clinical assessment only indicator, yes/no/not stated/inadequately described, code N.

Independent Hospital Pricing Authority 2016. Mental Health Phase of Care Guide. Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, Sydney. Viewed 7 September 2016,

https://www.ihpa.gov.au/publications/mental-health-phase-care-guide