If patients do not have a primary care physician, one is found for them and an appointment made. And for our dependent patients who get into a detox, there are a lot of medical issues. If they're not getting into medical care, but they are getting into the substance abuse system, take advantage of it. These steps are just two ways to integrate what are usually distinct systems, said Dr. Samet, associate professor of medicine and public health at Boston University School of Medicine and primary author of an investigation into the benefits of linking primary care with substance abuse services. His findings are published in the Jan. 8 Archives of Internal Medicine .
Substance abusers can access medical care.
Medical patients can access addiction treatment. But there should be a commitment to moving toward more interaction between the two systems. The linkage can take place in lots of ways. Addiction treatment places benefit. Many hurdles to overcome His proposal is part of an increasing trend toward more integrated care for many chronic conditions from back pain to diabetes.