Physical and Mental Health Workgroup
The purpose of the Physical Health/Mental Health workgroup is, “Assuring the consideration of physical health and mental health issues in all health care.”
This workgroup has created a guide entitled, “Being a Proactive Patient: A Guide to Patient-Centered Care.”
The voice a health care provider hears daily is yours – their patient. There is a serious need for an active and heard consumer voice as care models are developed that link physical health and mental health. Be an advocate for connecting physical and mental health care by clearly expecting it from all your providers. The guide can help you do just that.
There is a disconnect in the health care system between physical and mental health care. Ideally each physician would consider all aspects of health care equally. You can educate your health care providers by insisting that they consider all aspects of your health in your treatment. The “Being a Proactive Patient: A Guide to Person-Centered Care” helps patients advocate for their physical health and mental health needs. This guide can help you:- Find a doctor
- Medical providers for people who are uninsured or underinsured
- Know what to ask office staff
- Learn about creating better communication with healthcare providers
- Learn ways to link your physical & mental health
- Develop a personal health proile to share with your healthcare providers
- Make sure you understand your diagnosis, medications, tests and surgeries
- Have a successful visit, where all your needs have been met.
For an electronic version of the Guide to Being a Proactive Patient, please click here.
To become involved with the work of the Physical Health/Mental Health workgroup, or to request paper copies of the guide, please contact Sally Jo at 412-456-1877×203.