Hippocrates once said, “It is more important to treat the patient and not the disease the patient has.” In Part 1 of this series, Julie Black, RPh, Director of Product Development at MyMatrixx® by Evernorth, described the need for and benefits of a whole person health approach in workers’ compensation claims and the concept of caring for patients as they come to us − injuries, illnesses, and all.
Now in Part 2, she explains why chronic and comorbid conditions such as obesity, diabetes, chronic pain, opioid use, and behavioral health challenges would benefit from a coordinated, whole health approach. Conditions that, without asking the right questions, health coaching, education, and the appropriate treatments and support, could increase risks, increase costs, and extend the life of the workers’ compensation claim.
Black also outlines the broader applications of whole-person health, including musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular conditions, smoking cessation, and women’s health. The common thread is a focus on treating the individual, not just the injury for better overall care and outcomes.