From Spotlight on Health Nov./Dec. 2008

When Susie Ripplinger, L.P.N., was asked to work with a new depression treatment program at CentraCare Clinic - Melrose, she jumped at the opportunity.

“It sounded very interesting to me,” she said. “There’s a real opportunity to optimize treatment for patients who suffer from depression.”

Ripplinger is a care manager for DIAMOND (Depression Improvement Across Minnesota, Offering a New Direction). This unique method of depression treatment brings the primary physician, care manager and consulting psychiatrist together to help patients with depression. The program was introduced to CentraCare Clinic - Melrose by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI).

“It’s a team-based approach to treatment,” said psychiatrist Chris Moellentine, M.D., of St. Cloud
Hospital Behavioral Health Clinic, who is part of the DIAMOND team in Melrose.

A physician can administer a standardized questionnaire to determine whether the patient has
chronic depression and would benefit from the DIAMOND program. Patients who are diagnosed with depression and choose to enroll in DIAMOND are assigned to a care manager who has been trained to monitor a patient’s progress through regular follow-up care.

“Care managers are taught how to coach patients with goal-setting and to address any barriers to
care,” Moellentine said.

Julia Draxten, site coordinator for CentraCare Clinic - Melrose, also has been trained as a care
manager, in addition to Lily Servatius, who has a degree in social work.

“Our role is to help our patients get their depression under control and to keep it there,” Draxten said.

Patients have the opportunity to meet with one of three care managers onsite the same day they
are diagnosed.

“This easy access increases the patients’ likeliness to join,” Draxten said.

The consulting psychiatrist also is a key component in the DIAMOND program. The psychiatrist reviews new cases of depression and patients who aren’t improving to make recommendations to the care managers who serve as a liaison to the primary care providers. Currently, CentraCare Clinic - Melrose is the only clinic in Central Minnesota to offer this depression management program. Those working with DIAMOND agree that it is a unique approach.

“It really is the establishment of the care manager’s role and the ongoing assessment that makes
this program unique,” Moellentine said.

Learn more about CentraCare Clinic - Melrose.