ACMS Physician vitality program

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Six years ago, Ada County Medical Society (ACMS) launched its Physician Vitality Program (PVP) as a no-cost member benefit. This program runs like an EAP, providing a resource for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who want to voluntarily seek mental health therapy. 

We have set up the program so that members are assured absolute confidentiality: neither their employer, the Boards of Medicine or Nursing, and not even ACMS can discover the utilization of the program by member name.

Since then, PVP has provided more than 1100 contracted appointments to more than 200 members. Most members seek help for mental health topics such as depression, stress management, relationship challenges, and occupational stressors. For physicians specifically, all of these are exacerbated by the unique workplace and medical culture challenges they face comingled with the common behavioral tendencies that emerge from medical training.

We are sensitive to keeping your personal and professional reputation intact. Your participation in this program is completely voluntary and confidential and may not be mandated as a condition of employment. Neither ACMS, your employer, nor the Board of Medicine will be notified of your name if you choose to participate.

• No medical diagnosis - only limited therapy notes are kept on paper
• No insurance billing - our billing process does not allow for participant names to be submitted
• Limited electronic records created (e.g. calendaring, consent to treat, telehealth software, all of which will be disclosed and explained by the therapist).

Participants must sign an understanding of the MHP's limits of confidentiality under certain legal statutes. Please review ACMS consent to treat forms prior to your first appointment, although you will go over this paperwork in your first appointment.

ADDITIONAL FREE SERVICES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS:

• The Emotional PPE Project connects healthcare workers in need with licensed mental health professionals who can help at no cost, with no insurance.
• The free Physician Support Line provides psychiatrists helping our physician colleagues and medical students navigate the many intersections of our personal and professional lives.
• Are you suicidal or is somebody that you know need help? Call or text the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline at (208) 398-4357 or 9-8-8
• Are you addicted or impaired? Protect your license anonymously through the Physician Recovery Network