Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), such as physicians, make a significant commitment to their training and subsequently to their profession in caring for others. There is tremendous self-sacrifice in the service of building knowledge and experience to handle serious medical dilemmas for their patients. As such, it is probably not surprising that a physician can have difficulty asking for help for themselves. Many times, a physician will build up their reputation as “the expert.” This elevates them to a degree that to disclose a serious problem like alcoholism or drug addiction would be devastating to them, as well as to their career (as they see it). Regardless, any HCP in this situation is in need of addiction treatment for healthcare professionals.
Role of Pennsylvania Physicians’ Health Programs (PHP)
- Physicians
- Physician assistants
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists
- Expanded function dental assistants
- Medical students
When the PHP receives a referral for an HCP with a possible addiction concern, the PHP refers the HCP to an independent evaluator.
Providence Treatment’s Healthcare Professionals Programs
Providence Treatment has many years of experience in working with Pennsylvania Physicians’ Health Programs and their healthcare professionals (participants). When we receive a request from PHP, we perform an independent assessment with the HCP individual. This assessment may take from one (1) to three (3) days, depending on the complexity of the case.
If we identify a substance abuse or psychiatric problem, then the HCP has a choice of facilities suited to them. Providence Treatment currently has healthcare professionals (HCPs) in our group and/or individual therapy programs for more than two years; we require a minimum of two years. We also perform workplace/practice monitoring for Pennsylvania Physicians’ Health Programs (PHP) and the Professional Health Monitoring Programs (PHMP) of the state Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs (BPOA) which is a state-run program.
Since these healthcare professionals (HCPs) are in a very safety-sensitive position, the bar is set high for them when it comes to impairment. Physicians with alcohol and/or drug addiction can be helped and actually have one of the highest sustainable recovery rates in the U.S. If you or you know a healthcare professional who needs addiction treatment, please contact us today. Providence Treatment in Philadelphia, PA specializes in working with state agencies and healthcare employers to assist you in finding the best treatment environment and provide you with the support you need.
It’s possible to achieve recovery and return to your healthcare career. For more information about addiction treatment for HCPs, reach out to the caring staff at Providence Treatment. Call us at 866-247-3307 today.
