Our PCL psychiatrists have consulted with providers in every county in Washington except Wahkiakum. Here are a few of the stories they shared about the impact the PCL has had in their practice and in the lives of their patients.
Ferry County: Trying to help manage incarcerated patients’ medication in rural areas can be a significant challenge. There isn’t money to have medical in these jails, and certainly not psych professionals. Lots of co-occurring SUD and mental health conditions. I’ve had patients in and out of state psych hospitals. It’s a blessing to have the PCL to call to get medication assistance from because frequently it’s well above a primary care provider’s expertise, yet we’re what they have access to in many cases.
King County: This service is the most amazing consultation resource I have ever used. To be able to make almost immediate contact with an attending psychiatrist, who seems to have unlimited time to offer, is utterly unique. This has allowed me to get a patient, who urgently needs treatment, on meds right away & helped me determine the level of risk. I learn a lot every time I call & the consultants were unfailingly gracious.
Okanogan County: There are no psychiatrists on Okanogan County and no other viable consults. There are very few referral options and none that are timely. This service is invaluable.
Pierce County: I was very nervous the first time I called. I had a complex patient with a complex medication regimen that I inherited when their psychiatrist retired. (When I called the PCL) I found support, encouragement and recognition for the difficult work primary care doctors are doing. They had practical advice, actionable small steps, and helped me identify treatment goal to work towards. They encouraged me and suggested a timetable to reconsult on the changes. I was stressed because my clinic was running behind and I was late for my consult but they were kindly able to accommodate me. I’ve told all my colleagues about this great service!
Spokane County: As a Care Navigator / Peer I love this resource as I am not medically trained. I can bring the information to providers so they can make the best decisions for our patients. It helps me feel more confident in those conversations. It also helps expediate the process.
Clark County: I work at a free clinic and often see patients with psychiatric needs who will not be able to see a psych provider in a reasonable amount of time due to cost and insurance barriers. The UW consult line has helped me know what to do in these situations to help stabilize a patient until they can be seen by someone more qualified and it gives me great peace of mind just knowing I have this resource if I get really stuck. I have always received a timely, practical answer that takes into account the unique barriers of my patients and supports my own medical decision making.
King County: This is an incredible resource for primary care physicians, particularly as we deal with significant shortages in our mental health workforce. I have several older patients with mental health concerns and have needed expert guidance with adjusting their medications given increased risks of side-effects.
Pend Oreille County: One patient sought care for her mental health after many years of struggling, but too afraid to start medications. Over time I developed a rapport with her, and she came to me to treat her mental health. After evaluation, I became concerned that she may have bipolar disorder. However, two significant barriers to specialty psychiatric care for this patient are distance to travel to psychiatrists in our area and her lack of trust of new medical providers. I have discussed her case at least 3 times with PCL at various stages of her care and she is starting to see improvements in her symptoms. Without PCL, this pt would not receive the psychiatric care she needs.
Skagit County: As a primary care physician, there is a lot of psychiatry I handle due to a lack of psychiatrist in the area, insurance issues or long wait times. There are cases that have eluded me, and I have just been at a loss for a patient. UW Provider Psych line was incredibly helpful. I was able to facilitate patient care, they help reinforce the right things I was doing and helped me understand which medication use would be helpful in each of my situations. The providers were empathetic, and I cannot say I have had a bad experience with UW psych line to date. I appreciate you guys, and my patients are better managed because of you guys.
Spokane County: I love the access line it helps me provide quality care to patients. There are a lot of situations where I am not confident in what to do and the PCL gives me the best knowledge to help my patients.