A NEW APPROACH TO ALCOHOLISM DETECTION IN PRIMARY-CARE

This article describes a model that brings together the chemical depen dency, mental health, and primary care services of a staff model HMO f or the purpose of establishing a primary care clinic-based program to assist physicians in early detection of chemical dependency and freque nt psychiatric disorders. The model creates a partnership between a ma ster's-level professional social worker (MSW) and a designated family physician from the clinic. Their focus is on provider education, consu ltation, and on assisting patients with referrals to the appropriate s ervices. Parameters of success include changes on referral patterns, u se of the MSW's services, and clinic satisfaction. In addition, there are indications that early intervention has had a positive impact on s ubsequent use of other health care systems' resources.