Tue, Dec 02 2008
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Published June 25, 2008 10:27 am - MHP hires additional provider for psychiatric services The Oskaloosa Herald OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health Partnership recently added Diane Simons, PA-C, to its medical staff to help provide outpatient and inpatient psychiatric services for New Directions, a comprehensive community mental health center, and Vision Quest, an acute geriatric behavioral health unit. Simons comes to MHP from a one-year post-graduate fellowship at Cherokee Mental Health Institute in Cherokee. She trained in the evaluation, differential diagnosis and treatment of both adults and children. She was responsible for general medical care, psychiatric drug interventions and outpatient clinic rotations specializing in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. “I’m very excited to begin my practice in Oskaloosa,” Simons said. “In the mental health field, with New Directions and Vision Quest, Mahaska Health Partnership has an excellent reputation. There are so many great resources in this region, and I’m working with two talented and skillful psychiatrists on staff.” Dr. Kevin Sterk is medical director of MHP’s inpatient and outpatient psychiatrist services and Dr. Ronald Berges serves as associate medical director. Simons said that while Sterk is her physician supervisor, she will be collaborating with both psychiatrists to treat patients of all ages. According to Simons, every patient has a unique situation and must be treated individually, without any preconceptions. “Psychiatric drugs are not always the first choice for patients, but they have proven to be useful with certain diagnoses,” Simons explained. Physician assistants are licensed health professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision, providing patient care services that would otherwise be performed by physicians. As part of her comprehensive responsibilities, Simons can perform evaluations, order and interpret lab tests, diagnose illnesses, set up treatment plans and write prescriptions. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the relationship between a physician and a physician assistant is one of mutual trust and reliance. All states allow PAs to provide patient services in sites where the physician is not present, as long as the physician is available by telecommunication. Simons and Sterk are available to see patients in need of outpatient mental health services at New Directions, located on the MHP campus. New Directions hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, call New Directions at (641) 672-3159. 
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