Referrals to Southern Hills
physicians are made by Center therapists after they have completed an outpatient
assessment. This allows appropriate information to be gathered and an evaluation
completed prior to the individual seeing the doctor for a medical, medication,
or psychiatric evaluation. This initial phase completed by the therapist lays
the ground work for the physician’s visit with the consumer and reduces the
amount of time during the session gathering information and completing
paperwork.
Physicians are also team leaders and supervisors in Southern Hills clinical
offices. This is primarily carried out through diagnostic staffings and review
meetings in each Unit. The majority of therapy services are provided by masters
and doctoral level clinicians under the supervision of the physicians. For
patients in nursing homes or hospitals, normally, a Southern Hills masters level
or doctoral level staff member evaluates individuals prior to them being seen by
a Southern Hills physician.
Consumers are educated about the potential side effects of their medications
including their impact on pregnancies as appropriate, the use and storage of the
medication, the potential dangers of using other medications with the prescribed
medication, and the reasons for using the prescribed medication. Each consumer
will be asked to inform the Center immediately if they experience any unusual
symptoms while using the medication. Consumers receiving medication prescribed
by a Southern Hills physician must see the supervising physician at least once
every three months and more frequently, if appropriate, due to their medication
or their personal situation.
Consumers whose medical needs can be met by Southern Hills staff will
participate in the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan
will identify how services will be provided so that the safety of the person is
preserved. This plan will be reviewed and approved by the Center’s Medical
Director to ensure that the consumer’s medical needs can be met in a safe and
effective manner by Southern Hills staff.
Individuals who require medical assistance beyond the ability or training of
Southern Hills will be referred to an agency better able to meet these medical
needs.