If you’re concerned about yourself or a colleague, call PHS at 781-434-7404, or toll free at
800-322-2303, ext. 7404.
Ask to speak with the director, Dr. Steven Adelman. If the director is not available, ask to speak to the director of program operations. There are also five associate directors located throughout the state who are physicians and who are available for initial consultations as needed.
At the time of the first contact, it is helpful to be able to provide
some of the following information:
- The name of the physician seeking services
- The nature of the concern
- Any history and factors related to the concern
- Documentation of any previous services or treatment received
- Documentation of any complaints that may have initiated the contact
or may have been made regarding performance
When you refer an individual to PHS, please plan to address:
- Whether or not the referral is being made as an exception to the
mandated reporting law
- Any time constraints or parameters related to the referral
- Your own plan of action and expectations (if the referral is being
made by a physician health committee of a hospital, or by another such
facility or entity)
PHS recommends that you put in writing to the individual, with a copy
to PHS, your expectations, plans, and time frames, with respect to PHS
involvement.
Once a physician contacts PHS,
confidentiality parameters prevent PHS from communicating with any third
parties including the referral source unless there is a signed
consent in place. Please be sure to obtain consent from the physician
you have referred allowing you to communicate with PHS and PHS to
communicate with you. As consents can be withdrawn, it is
important to confirm that consent remains in place throughout the
assessment process by seeking regular confirmation and/or documentation
from PHS.
Referring a Physician to PHS
Meet with the individual in a private setting. Consider having a
colleague assist you in the meeting. Review specific work performance
and/or behavioral or health issues and concerns. Clearly define your
expectations for improvement. Explain PHS’s mission and emphasize
the free services, confidentiality, and professionalism. Stress that PHS
focuses on wellness and in assessing medical, psychiatric, and health
problems that may potentially affect ability to practice and work
safely. Provide information on how to contact PHS to make an
appointment. Inform the individual that a release of information would
need to be signed for you to confirm their contact and involvement at
PHS.
Here are some guidelines to consider when you are approaching a
colleague regarding your concerns:
- State the facts that have led to
concern.
- Describe state regulations on reporting
- Bring in another person, a colleague
to assist you in the meeting.
- Begin with a monologue. This is not a
debate. After you have finished, you will be happy to listen and engage
in discussion.
- State that a formal evaluation is
required.
- Insist on a report back and
follow-up.
Evaluate Reporting Obligations
It is encouraged that reporting obligations be reviewed. PHS has expertise and information regarding these obligations and the important exception to reporting.
Mandated Reporting and Exceptions
Follow-up with the Physician and PHS Following
the Referral
An initial PHS initial assessment typically involves two to three meetings. The first meeting often takes place with the director of PHS, and follow-up meetings may be indicated with an associate director. It is important to understand that PHS may recommend an independent evaluation as part of our assessment. We are available to guide this entire process and provide confidentiality and expertise. The process can take up to three to four weeks to coalesce our recommendations. Our recommendations are intended to identify any health problems and describe a monitoring plan when indicated.
More information on Helping Yourself or a Colleague
