Choosing a segment:
For this segment, I chose to interview three physicians. I chose to
interview these physicians (MD/ARNP), because they can offer insight on both
ends of the spectrum; patient care/issues and business ownership (medical practice).
These individuals are also employed within the same company but do not operate
in the same clinics. Dr. John Petrilli has been with us for about 3 years now,
and has experienced a lot within the company with regards to our patient
demographics. Our ARNP, Terri Jehs, has also been with us for over four years,
but has more experience working with private practice. Lastly, Erin Jones ARNP,
has previously worked with both community based health centers and privately-owned
practices, but prefers to work where the need is great.
· First, I interviewed Dr. John Petrilli. I began to ask him about his experience
with our patients and the need for mental health services. He stated that he
didn’t realize how bad things were. He mentioned, “it was much easier to read
the statistics than experience them firsthand.” The institution where Dr.
Petrilli completed his residency, didn’t “prepare” him for the stresses that
come with uninsured patients and that was hard for him to adjust to, especially
patients suffering from poor mental health. He didn’t have anyone he could send
his patients to. From what he explained, either the specialist had long waiting
lists, they were stationed out of city, or the services weren’t affordable. Dr.
Petrilli stated that he needs more facilities like mine to open, otherwise,
there will never be recovery for these patients.
· Second, I interviewed, Terri Jehs ARNP. I decided to interview her because
she has a lot of background knowledge on running a private practice and offer insight
on higher income families. With her experience, she explains that insurance can
only cover so much. Even families that were well off struggled paying their
copays for their visits and the medications. Most of her patients suffered from
anxiety and depression, usually from financial stresses and the dip in the
economy. Also, insured patients must wait just as long, if not longer for
services. The reason being, is because services not covered by the insurance must
go through an authorization process before the services can be rendered; same
applied for uncovered medications.
·
Third, I interviewed, Erin
Jones ARNP. Before Erin moved to Florida, she worked at a community
health center in Centralia, Illinois. She mentioned that as a nurse practitioner,
or any physician for that matter, you will always be plagued by the need for
mental health services. She states that the funding is just enough, and its really
starting to take a toll on society with of the mass shootings and violent outburst
experienced in the media. She was thinking of opening a business like mine, but
she said it was just too difficult for her after moving to Florida. She also
admitted that she too suffers from the anxiety that comes with her position. Sometimes
she finds herself thinking about all of the patients that won’t be receiving
treatment and which patients will not make it. She is currently debating on
whether or not she wants to go back to school for her PhD with a focus in
Psychiatry.'
Hi Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that you put so much effort into all of your assignments. What a great idea to interview three physicians. I can really tell you went above and beyond to get the information you needed. Your summaries of your interviews, really shows how much people need mental health services. It also shows that doctors would feel so much better about their patients if they knew that they are getting the help they need when they leave their care. I feel like so many people have anxiety and depression and its really crazy to hear that even doctors suffer from it too. Great post!