Primary care workers

These disorders should concern all physicians and mental health professionals for several reasons. First, mood disorders are very common and will be encountered on a daily basis in most clinical settings (see Table 3.1). Second, they disrupt life in numerous ways. During an episode of depression or mania, sleep patterns change, appetite and eating are affected, family life is disrupted, work efficiency suffers, substance abuse rates soar, and physical illness is exacerbated. Thus, comprehensive treatment of mood disorders routinely requires the work of nutritionists, social workers, family therapists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, substance abuse counselors and 12 step groups, primary care physicians, and others. 

More than half (52%) of covered workers are enrolled in PPOs. PPOs are entities composed of hospitals, physicians, and other providers that market themselves to purchasers (typically employers). PPOs offer some of the advantages of HMOs, particularly coverage for preventive services, but enrollees do not have to select a primary care physician and can refer themselves to specialists. PPOs are less expensive than indemnity insurance plans, because there is a defined network of providers that offer discounted rates. Enrollees have a choice of using the PPO network or going outside the network, but there are financial incentives to use PPO providers. 

Patient education and ability to demonstrate self-care and adherence to therapeutic lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions are crucial to successful outcomes. Multidisciplinary teams of health care professionals including physicians (primary care, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and vascular surgeons), podiatrists, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, behavioral health specialists, and certified diabetes educators are needed to optimize these outcomes in persons with diabetes mellitus. 

If the injury or illness is determined to be work-related and Workers Compensation benefits are provided, the Utility s insurance carrier may select a managed care organization. You will be required to seek treatment with a panel-approved medical provider who is familiar and willing to treat occupational injuries. The Utility s insurance carrier will provide an extensive list of local providers for you to choose from. Your primary care physician may/may not be on the panel. 

Although special education services are certainly warranted and valuable for many children with special health care needs, school-based health centers (sbhcs) offer another mechanism to address the needs of these students. As mentioned, SBHCS now number over 1200 in the United States and have expanded to include a range of preventive, primary care, and mental health services. A common staffing pattern for an sbhc would include a medical assistant, nurse coordinator (often an rn), nurse practitioner or physician assistant, a mental health professional (usually master s-level or doctoral trainee), and a consulting physician. Some centers have additional staff, including health educators, outreach workers, and dentists (Juszcak et al., 1995). 

---