The relationship developed between patients and their PCM is the basis for successful prevention- oriented, coordinated health care. Non-PCM physician extenders, as well as nurses, and medical assistants may be part of a health care team that works under the supervision of the PCM to provide the beneficiary's care. This notice will include the PCM's name, date of assignment and telephone numbers. Beneficiaries will be assigned to the PCM requested whenever possible, however, they should note MTF assignment policies and the medical needs of the beneficiary will also be given consideration when PCM assignment is made. Optimization aims to utilize best managed health care practices, to include preventive measures, clinical practice guidelines and case management.
Patients reap benefits from consistent health care and improved overall health.
This interdisciplinary fellowship will jump-start palliative care as an important field in health care. It will change the way physicians, social workers, nurses and other caregivers approach patients at an extremely difficult time in their lives. Historically, VA has taken a leadership role in the promotion and development of hospice care and, more recently, in a national pain management initiative. In the past, doctors saw death as a failure, so they consequently focused on medical cures and preventing death at any cost. We are training medical care staff now to concentrate on symptom management rather than disease management.