What types of patients would benefit from the care of a Medical Social Worker?
Many, if not all, patients could benefit from the care of a Medical Social Worker. In particular, targeted groups include individuals with chronic degenerative illnesses; the terminally ill; individuals with mental illness; transplant patients; homeless individuals; and individuals with multiple social, financial, emotional, or housing problems. How and when does a Medical Social Worker become involved in the care of a particular patient? In many health care settings, the physician requests social work services. In some settings, all patients receive social work services, or any patient who desires can see the social worker.
