Components of the Program

Access - A physician may call a 24-hour Physician HELPline (312-580-2499) when troubled or seeking help in a crisis situation. This line is also available to those concerned about a physician, such as colleagues, hospital administrators, family, friends or patients. A physician will respond personally to all calls as soon as possible.

Diagnosis Confirmation - In all cases of reported physician impairment, allegations are investigated discreetly and thoroughly. The identity of the reporting individual is not revealed without his or her permission. If the allegations appear to be supported by the investigation, an intervention may be planned.

Intervention - When the physician denies a problem exists despite evidence to the contrary, an intervention is needed. This is the structured process of presenting to an impaired physician the reality of his or her disease and its consequences. The objective of the intervention is to motivate the person to enter a treatment program.

In Illinois, there are trained physician volunteer intervenors located throughout the state. These intervenors work in teams in their own and neighboring counties. The intervention team works with family members, concerned colleagues and others interested in helping the impaired physician.

Treatment - The program does not treat the impaired physician, but rather, motivates him or her to participate in an effective evaluation and treatment program.

Monitoring - After treatment, the recovering physician is requested to sign a monitoring or "aftercare" agreement with the Illinois Professional Health Program. Release forms, agreements and monitoring vary with the type of impairment. Monitoring lasts two to five years, or longer if indicated. The components of monitoring are:

• Treatment monitoring - Verification of completion of treatment/rehabilitation. Attendance is checked at treatment appointments as prescribed by the treating physician.
• Attendance at self-help groups is monitored - i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous.
• Toxicology - Body fluids are monitored by random toxicology in cases of substance abuse and may be utilized to monitor compliance in taking therapeutically prescribed medication.

Case Management - A case manager works with each recovering physician's case. The case manager remains in contact with the treater, monitor and sponsor, as well as the recovering doctor, to coordinate the rehabilitative components and to aid the recovering physician in an effective re-entry into medical practice.

Advocacy - A physician who has met all the requirements of the aftercare agreement will be offered the advocacy services of the Illinois Professionals Health Program in support of the physician's ability to re-enter practice in a recovering or rehabilitated status.

Education - The program can help hospital medical staffs deal with specific cases, answer questions about impairment, form committees to respond to the problem of the impaired or disabled physician and to train intervention teams. Education programs dealing with the above topics are offered to county medical societies, hospitals, specialty societies and medical schools.