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Health Care Tour: “Seeking Patient-Centered Care”
Marshall I. Pickens Hospital
The Issue:
- Marshall I. Pickens Hospital provides mental and behavioral health services as part of the Greenville Hospital System.
Findings:
- Marshall Pickens’ provides behavioral health services for adults and children on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Mental health professionals find that many mental conditions are tied to physical conditions, and these doctors would like a solution to the disparity in treatment. Reimbursement rates from Medicare/Medicaid are comparatively low. Payment systems for mental and physical health treatment programs are usually separate.
- Indigent folks often have mental health problems. They usually go to the ER, are referred to Marshall Pickens, and are treated and discharged. Because they don’t have any way to pay and charity cases are limited, they are unable to get long-term treatment. Often, they will end up in jail.
- Marshall Pickens admissions process:
- Family/police/anyone picks up mentally ill person and takes him/her to the ER.
- The ER evaluates the person and refers him/her to Marshall Pickens.
- Marshall Pickens evaluates the person and either commits them to a course of treatment or discharges them.
- After two weeks, the person can challenge his/her commitment in court.
- The court hearing occurs, and the court orders mandatory treatment or discharge.
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.)
Where: 701 Grove Road, Greenville SC 29605 (also the mailing address)
Host: Dr. Jack W. Bonner (Medical Director), Kristie Condrey (Assistant)