Maria G. Mastrosimone, M.D.

          As primary care physician, I have heard the above statements from patients & their families numerous times. Patients come in for routine visits, but often have a lot more on their minds. They request guidance for these issues because many have no where else to turn.

          Our current medical system does not allow physicians to spend the time with patients that they may need to get support or direction for non-medical problems, or for problems that are more than just medical. This often leaves the patient and the physician unsatisfied after brief encounters.

         Multiple specialists are then enlisted to address multiple problems. The care of the whole patient can become fragmented, and patients may find themselves in search of the "magic pill" or procedure that will alleviate their pain.

         Patients feel lost in our complex medical system. They may get several diagnoses with many medications, but the stress and emotional suffering which accompanies illness is often left untreated. The families of patients also feel disconnected under the pressure of caring for ill loved ones.

       Healthy Perspective Consultations is the service I have created with the goal of addressing these issues of disconnection; to guide you & your family through the illness experience by being your advocate towards health.

        As your consultant, I strive to help you learn how to help yourself, beyond the time limits allotted in typical medical practices today. In this role I do not become your primary physician, but a professional advocate that will travel with you along the illness journey until you regain control of your health or the health of your family.

        I work collaboratively with other health professionals already involved in your care, while teaching you skills to strengthen your voice regarding your needs and goals.

        All you need to start this process is to acknowledge that it is time for a change!

                             Then the adventure begins!

Healthy Perspective Consultation Service

Patient & Family Health Advocacy

      Teaches families how to voice their concerns &
      navigate within our complex health care system.

      Short-term visits offer a systemic evaluation &
      treatment plan (not psychotherapy).

This is a comprehensive medical-emotional- relational Health Assessment that looks at:

      -   How illness affects the whole family
-   How to interpret body messages
              (symptoms) within the context of other
              life experiences
          -   The whole picture behind symptoms not
              responding to treatments
          - Your understanding of the illness &
            beliefs about what will happen to you
- Your challenges when dealing with the
              health care system

Recommendations for treatment will be given in a language you can understand, together with practical tools you can use to improve or change your current situation.

Assists your family in times of illness crises, so that you will feel empowered, not discouraged:
- Learn what is happening & what to do about it
- Learn what to ask medical staff - Learn to be proactive instead of reactive!

Provides guidance for families facing difficult ethical/medical decisions such as DNR, cancer treatments, hospice or palliative care.

On-site visits are available for home, hospital or hospice settings, including family meetings.

           Provides emotional support & management
         skills for individuals & families facing acute or
         chronic illness.

Some examples include:

Anxiety / OCD / Panic disorder / Depression (I offer medication treatment for patients who prefer one physician to manage both medications & psychotherapy for anxiety or depression).

Asthma / COPD / Emphysema

Chronic illness / Chronic pain / Cancer

Caregiver challenges / Grief / Loss

Diabetes / Heart disease

Gastrointestinal syndromes / Irritable bowel

MS / Lupus / RA / Myasthenia

Physical Disabilities

Sexual dysfunction / Infertility

Pregnancy & Menopausal problems

Recovery after MI / Stroke / Brain Injuries

Stress management

Marriage & Family Therapy

Guides families with members at different life stages (children, adolescents, adults, elders) who live together but want better:

Communication skills

Parenting skills

Balance between work / home / children

Parent-child interactions during child rearing, divorce, blended family situations

Couple & Marriage skills / Intimacy

Attention to cross-cultural differences

Professional challenges (job transitions, "burn-out" prevention)

A peaceful co-existence warmed by sunlight!

Office Hours:

Flexible daytime & evening hours

Home or hospital visits available for severe illness

Visit length is usually one hour; frequency & duration of visits are individualized

Fees:

Free initial15-minute phone consultation

Self-pay: full payment at time of service

Reimbursed by medical / flexible spending accounts

Most Rochester area HMOs do not cover these services

No insurance coverage also means increased confidentiality: your personal/ family/job information and medical/ emotional diagnoses remain private

Please Note:

This is NOT a primary care office.

Consultations in this setting do not constitute primary care; you must retain your own primary care physician.

Dr. Mastrosimone is a family physician with added training and clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of emotional illness, including medication management. She is not a psychiatrist; when necessary, she will refer persons for psychiatric care.