General Medical Health Plan

Current State Assessment:
Mental Health/Substance Use Disorders (MH/SUDs)

In the context of Cartesian Solutions, Inc.™ consultative activities, mental health disorders, i.e. mental conditions which lead to impairment by altering emotions, thinking, and/or behavior in the absence of substances which alter mental function, and substance use disorders, i.e. mental conditions which lead to impairment by altering emotions, thinking, and/or behavior in relation to substances known to affect mental function, will largely be considered together. Just as with medical conditions, of key importance is that those affected are impaired and would benefit by intervention, whether it be in the form of support or specific treatment.

Some consider substance use disorder in a different category than other mental disorders because they are the result of inappropriate use of mind altering substances. While Cartesian Solutions, Inc.™ has no argument with this assessment, it does not agree with the supposition that those who are impaired due to substance abuse do not deserve treatment. This is particularly true since the data now demonstrates that those exposed to evidence-based treatment demonstrate future decreased impairment, better function, and ultimately lower health care costs.

If one took the above argument about not treating patients with "self induced" substance related illness to its logical conclusion, then the health system should not only refuse treatment for those impaired by substance abuse but also obese people who overeat with diabetes or heart disease, smokers with chronic obstructive lung disease or lung cancer, and promiscuous individuals with sexually transmitted diseases.

Cartesian Solutions, Inc.™
3004 Foxpoint Rd. - Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 952-426-1626 - Fax: 952-426-1200
E-mail: integration@cartesiansolutions.com