Summary
An integrated care practice combines all areas of health care, treats the whole person and offers a wide range of services.
A thin, 22-year-old male named Stan stamps out his half-smoked cigarette. He takes a deep breath, coughs, and then nervously enters the Marion Community Health Center. Stan is a few minutes late, but is proud of himself for even making it there at all. This is the first time he’s been out of his apartment in three days. The last time was Monday morning when he was driving to work. He was running late that day as well.
The thought of starting another week at Kenny’s Custom Wheels was overwhelming. Stan hated the job and the other workers there made fun of him for being shy. The closer he got to work, the worse he began to feel. He was starting to sweat and feel dizzy. His heartbeat was racing. He quickly pulled off to the side of the road to catch his breath. After several anxious minutes, Stan stopped shaking and had calmed down enough to call in sick. It was the second time this month. He knew he could lose his job and wished he didn’t need the money so badly. He’s glad he heard about this affordable practice on his car radio.
The first visit
Upon signing in, Stan is handed paperwork to fill out. Among them is a brief questionnaire. He takes a seat in the corner and glances at the array of brochures on the end table. He is surprised to see that the practice also offers dental and mental health services. Stan plans to look them over once he is done with this paperwork. He notices the first few questions are about depression and anxiety. He also sees some questions about substance use. He decides to answer them honestly. He is tired of pretending. Now Stan just wants to get better.
Soon his name is called by a friendly woman who measures his height and weight. She then escorts him down the narrow hallway to one of several small waiting rooms. He can tell he may be waiting awhile, based on how many of the rooms are filled. Stan doesn’t mind though. He was glad the practice gave him a same-day appointment. Besides, until he finds out what’s going on, he has nowhere else to go.
The woman takes Stan’s blood pressure and pulse. She asks him about allergies and any illnesses in his family history. She rapidly types his answers into the computer. Finally, she asks him why he is here today. Once all the information is entered, she exits, promising the doctor will be in shortly.
Out of habit, Stan pulls out his smartphone. He swipes it with his index finger and notices he doesn’t have a signal. He turns his attention to the posters on the wall. He reads with renewed interest about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of proper eating.
Meeting the doctor
After some time, Stan hears footsteps at the door, followed by a brief knock. A short, middle-aged doctor enters and extends his hand while introducing himself and his female assistant. He apologizes for the wait as he sits down in front of the computer screen. He repeats some of the same questions. Next he asks about the sequence of events leading up to when he called in sick.
The doctor then checks Stan’s eyes, ears, and throat, and listens to his chest. He asks his assistant to schedule some lab tests and an EKG. He explains that these tests can be done here in the same building. He assures Stan that they are just to rule out certain medical issues. He then asks him if he’s ever been treated for panic attacks.
Stan is taken back by the question, but manages to shake his head back and forth. The doctor asks his assistant to check on Dr. Peterson’s availability. He explains that Dr. Peterson is the resident psychologist and he would like Stan to see him right away. The doctor tells Stan that in this practice, there is a psychologist who specializes in helping people who experience what Stan describes.
Stan is soon walking down the hallway to another room. He feels anxious, but for the first time in a long time, he also feels a spark of hope.
Summary
An integrated care practice combines all areas of health care, treats the whole person and offers a wide range of services.
A thin, 22-year-old male named Stan stamps out his half-smoked cigarette. He takes a deep breath, coughs, and then nervously enters the Marion Community Health Center. Stan is a few minutes late, but is proud of himself for even making it there at all. This is the first time he’s been out of his apartment in three days. The last time was Monday morning when he was driving to work. He was running late that day as well.
The thought of starting another week at Kenny’s Custom Wheels was overwhelming. Stan hated the job and the other workers there made fun of him for being shy. The closer he got to work, the worse he began to feel. He was starting to sweat and feel dizzy. His heartbeat was racing. He quickly pulled off to the side of the road to catch his breath. After several anxious minutes, Stan stopped shaking and had calmed down enough to call in sick. It was the second time this month. He knew he could lose his job and wished he didn’t need the money so badly. He’s glad he heard about this affordable practice on his car radio.
The first visit
Upon signing in, Stan is handed paperwork to fill out. Among them is a brief questionnaire. He takes a seat in the corner and glances at the array of brochures on the end table. He is surprised to see that the practice also offers dental and mental health services. Stan plans to look them over once he is done with this paperwork. He notices the first few questions are about depression and anxiety. He also sees some questions about substance use. He decides to answer them honestly. He is tired of pretending. Now Stan just wants to get better.
Soon his name is called by a friendly woman who measures his height and weight. She then escorts him down the narrow hallway to one of several small waiting rooms. He can tell he may be waiting awhile, based on how many of the rooms are filled. Stan doesn’t mind though. He was glad the practice gave him a same-day appointment. Besides, until he finds out what’s going on, he has nowhere else to go.
The woman takes Stan’s blood pressure and pulse. She asks him about allergies and any illnesses in his family history. She rapidly types his answers into the computer. Finally, she asks him why he is here today. Once all the information is entered, she exits, promising the doctor will be in shortly.
Out of habit, Stan pulls out his smartphone. He swipes it with his index finger and notices he doesn’t have a signal. He turns his attention to the posters on the wall. He reads with renewed interest about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of proper eating.
Meeting the doctor
After some time, Stan hears footsteps at the door, followed by a brief knock. A short, middle-aged doctor enters and extends his hand while introducing himself and his female assistant. He apologizes for the wait as he sits down in front of the computer screen. He repeats some of the same questions. Next he asks about the sequence of events leading up to when he called in sick.
The doctor then checks Stan’s eyes, ears, and throat, and listens to his chest. He asks his assistant to schedule some lab tests and an EKG. He explains that these tests can be done here in the same building. He assures Stan that they are just to rule out certain medical issues. He then asks him if he’s ever been treated for panic attacks.
Stan is taken back by the question, but manages to shake his head back and forth. The doctor asks his assistant to check on Dr. Peterson’s availability. He explains that Dr. Peterson is the resident psychologist and he would like Stan to see him right away. The doctor tells Stan that in this practice, there is a psychologist who specializes in helping people who experience what Stan describes.
Stan is soon walking down the hallway to another room. He feels anxious, but for the first time in a long time, he also feels a spark of hope.
Summary
An integrated care practice combines all areas of health care, treats the whole person and offers a wide range of services.
A thin, 22-year-old male named Stan stamps out his half-smoked cigarette. He takes a deep breath, coughs, and then nervously enters the Marion Community Health Center. Stan is a few minutes late, but is proud of himself for even making it there at all. This is the first time he’s been out of his apartment in three days. The last time was Monday morning when he was driving to work. He was running late that day as well.
The thought of starting another week at Kenny’s Custom Wheels was overwhelming. Stan hated the job and the other workers there made fun of him for being shy. The closer he got to work, the worse he began to feel. He was starting to sweat and feel dizzy. His heartbeat was racing. He quickly pulled off to the side of the road to catch his breath. After several anxious minutes, Stan stopped shaking and had calmed down enough to call in sick. It was the second time this month. He knew he could lose his job and wished he didn’t need the money so badly. He’s glad he heard about this affordable practice on his car radio.
The first visit
Upon signing in, Stan is handed paperwork to fill out. Among them is a brief questionnaire. He takes a seat in the corner and glances at the array of brochures on the end table. He is surprised to see that the practice also offers dental and mental health services. Stan plans to look them over once he is done with this paperwork. He notices the first few questions are about depression and anxiety. He also sees some questions about substance use. He decides to answer them honestly. He is tired of pretending. Now Stan just wants to get better.
Soon his name is called by a friendly woman who measures his height and weight. She then escorts him down the narrow hallway to one of several small waiting rooms. He can tell he may be waiting awhile, based on how many of the rooms are filled. Stan doesn’t mind though. He was glad the practice gave him a same-day appointment. Besides, until he finds out what’s going on, he has nowhere else to go.
The woman takes Stan’s blood pressure and pulse. She asks him about allergies and any illnesses in his family history. She rapidly types his answers into the computer. Finally, she asks him why he is here today. Once all the information is entered, she exits, promising the doctor will be in shortly.
Out of habit, Stan pulls out his smartphone. He swipes it with his index finger and notices he doesn’t have a signal. He turns his attention to the posters on the wall. He reads with renewed interest about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of proper eating.
Meeting the doctor
After some time, Stan hears footsteps at the door, followed by a brief knock. A short, middle-aged doctor enters and extends his hand while introducing himself and his female assistant. He apologizes for the wait as he sits down in front of the computer screen. He repeats some of the same questions. Next he asks about the sequence of events leading up to when he called in sick.
The doctor then checks Stan’s eyes, ears, and throat, and listens to his chest. He asks his assistant to schedule some lab tests and an EKG. He explains that these tests can be done here in the same building. He assures Stan that they are just to rule out certain medical issues. He then asks him if he’s ever been treated for panic attacks.
Stan is taken back by the question, but manages to shake his head back and forth. The doctor asks his assistant to check on Dr. Peterson’s availability. He explains that Dr. Peterson is the resident psychologist and he would like Stan to see him right away. The doctor tells Stan that in this practice, there is a psychologist who specializes in helping people who experience what Stan describes.
Stan is soon walking down the hallway to another room. He feels anxious, but for the first time in a long time, he also feels a spark of hope.