Why do we ask so many questions?
Today, more than ever, when you visit us you are asked a series of questions. Some of them are focused on preventive care and some are screening tools that give your provider insight into what is going on in the rest of your life. We care about you and want to be sure we are providing all the support available for you to enjoy a healthy life. Primary care settings have become the gateway to the behavioral health system, and primary care providers need support and resources to screen and treat individuals with behavioral and general healthcare needs.
The unfortunate truth is people suffering from with mental and substance abuse disorders may die decades earlier than the average person — mostly from untreated and preventable chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease that are aggravated by poor health habits such as inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, smoking, and substance abuse.
The solution lies in a blended approach to caring for people with multiple healthcare needs called integrated care. Integrating mental health, substance abuse, and primary care services produces the best outcomes and proves to be the most effective approach to caring for people with multiple healthcare needs. We want to have an entire team to support you in your pathway to a healthier life.
When you come to PCHS we may ask you about…
- How have you done on changing your diet and exercise or other activities?
- Do you still smoke? Or do you use tobacco? What can I do to help you find resources to support you in stopping?
- Over the last 2 weeks how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- How many times in the last year have you had 4, 5 or more drinks in one day?
- How many times in the last year have you used a recreational drug or used a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons?
- When were your last flu shot, Tdap, and/or pneumonia vaccine?
- When was your last well exam, pap test, or physical exam?
- When was your last colon cancer screening test?
- When was your last mammogram?
- When was your last blood work done?