---
title: "APS Evaluation Overview"
url: https://mghmclean.org/residents/handbk/part1/aps.htm
description: "1. Patient will arrive at triage, walk-in clinic or ED consult. Check to see if APS has received a referral on patient."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
---

# APS Evaluation Overview

Published 2026-08-10

PART 3 / CH 5

Chris Finn and Roy Perlis

1. Patient will arrive at triage, walk-in clinic or ED consult. Check to see if APS has received a referral on patient.

2. Decisions at triage: [see**triage**]

- APS or medicine?

- Level of containment/restraint needed

- Likely admission? If so, get things rolling early (see #5)

3. Inform RN and remainder of team of new patient.

4. Begin evaluation

5. *Required for hospitalization* (not necessarily in this order):

a. labs (order as soon as possible!)

b. physical exam [see **medical clearance**]

c. psychiatric assessment/note

d. face sheet from registration (insurance/contact info)

e. hospital bed located

- via FAST: fax EDDS note and face sheet to

855-3831, call 855-3141 to let them know

- on your own: record the name of the accepting MD

- on Blake 11: call unit, enter admit orders, sign 12a

f. insurance approval: [see **insurance**]

- record authorization #, reviewer name, # days

g. travel paperwork:

- Cobra, 12a (pink paper), Medicare/Medicaid transfer

h. ambulance (ask someone to call)

6. *Required for discharge*:

a. EDDS note

b. contact existing treaters to make them aware of APS visit.

c. arrange follow-up:

- with current treater

- with community clinic, N. Suffolk Mental Health,

Partners outpatient clinics

- APS can provide*short-term* psychopharm follow-up

d. discharge note signed by patient