Today's Practice: Changing the Business of Medicine National Edition Q1 2017 | Page 13

Patients are often in denial of depression or afraid of the stigma that they associate with the illness .
We Can Do Better
Dr . Jason Friday , MD
Delivering Care
The treatment plan put together by the behavioral health professional will consist of care delivery and / or care coordination and be specific to each patient . Depending on the presenting patient ’ s needs and preferences , coupled with the primary care practice ’ s level of behavioral health integration , care may be delivered by the primary care practice itself or by an external specialty provider .
Two components are important to delivering and coordinating care and are often overlooked by primary care providers .
Patients are often in denial of depression or afraid of the stigma that they associate with the illness .
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