Chronic health problems associated with mental illnesses and substance use disorders underscore the need for coordination between psychiatry and primary care providers. Yet shortages of primary care physicians have made it difficult for people needing regular check ups to prevent or monitor diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer -- all leading to an average 25-years shorter life expectancy -- are well known.
An informal, unscientific poll of MIWatch readers indicates three out of four do not have primary care involvement.
The poll is now closed, but your comments are welcome.
