[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H2399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1015
                         INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE

  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Madam Speaker, study after study associates untreated 
depression with increased rates of chronic illness and increased health 
care costs. For cancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, diabetes the 
incidence of depression can be double that of the general population. 
Untreated depression complicates treatment and can double health care 
costs. Untreated depression can cost employers $51 billion per year.
  Depression management programs, however, can save employers an 
average of $2,600 per employee through increased productivity and 
reduced absenteeism.
  The time has come to improve health care by integrating and 
coordinating medical and mental health services for more effective 
diagnosis and treatment.
  Rather than just cut the payments for health care, Congress can lead 
the way to saving lives and money through integrated care. Science 
supports this, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
transform our health care system through innovation, information, and 
incentives to lower health care costs for every American. I ask my 
colleagues to learn more about integrated care by visiting my website 
at Murphy.house.gov.

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