What type of healthcare professionals can self-report to the IPHP?
The IPHP works with physicians (M.D./D.O.), acupuncturists, and genetic counselors. These are the three professions regulated by the Iowa Board of Medicine. Other healthcare professionals such as nurses, dentists, physician assistants, chiropractors, pharmacists, podiatrists, and behavioral health professionals should contact the equivalent program operated by their regulatory board.
How does drug and alcohol testing work?
The IPHP uses a third-party vendor, RecoveryTrek, to facilitate random testing. If testing is needed, staff will contact RecoveryTrek to have the enrollment information sent to you. After you are enrolled, you will be mailed chain of custody forms. Once you have received the chain of custody forms, staff will determine the start date of your random testing. At that time, you will be required to check into the RecoveryTrek system using their mobile app, website, or phone to see if you have been selected for a test on that day. If selected for a random test, you will be required to go to a collection site in your area on that day.
Is there a cost to participate in the IPHP?
No, there is no cost to participate in the IPHP. However, you are responsible for the cost of any evaluations, appointments, treatment, testing, etc. Check with your insurance provider to see what expenses they will cover.
My therapist is recommending a decrease in therapy sessions, but my contract states I must go weekly?
If your provider is recommending a change in services, whether it is a decrease or increase in services, your provider should let the IPHP know that a change is recommended. After staff receives the recommendation, your contract will be updated to reflect the new/current treatment recommendations. Most providers will recommend a change in the frequency of services when they submit their quarterly reports.
Can I still practice medicine while in the IPHP?
Yes, the purpose of the program is to monitor physicians so they can continue practicing medicine with safeguards in place to keep themselves and their patients safe. The IPHP can place restrictions on a physician’s practice or request that they stop practicing if there is a concern about the physician’s fitness for duty. These actions are based on information/recommendations from treatment providers or on a physician’s lack of follow-through with treatment requirements. For example, if a physician self-reports to the IPHP that they were under the influence while at work, the IPHP will ask the physician to stop practicing until a determination can be made about their fitness for duty.
Can I move to another state while in the IPHP?
Yes, if you are currently in the program and are relocating to another state, the IPHP will request that you self-report to that state physician health program (PHP), so they can determine if involvement in their program is needed. If involvement is recommended by that state, the IPHP will work with that program to transfer the monitoring to them. Usually, in these situations the state in which the physician is practicing becomes the primary monitor and will provide updates to the other state PHP to reduce duplication of work required by the physician and providers.
Are all monitoring contracts the same?
There are some aspects of the contract that are the same for individuals, such as submitting quarterly reports, but the treatment requirements are based on each individual’s needs. The length of monitoring depends on the individual’s diagnosis and can be between 12 and 60 months.