For a patient with persistent health anxiety, which team member is most appropriate to involve to manage care and reduce symptom preoccupation?

• A. Primary physician
• B. Case manager
• C. Social worker
• D. Family therapist

Answer: (B)

When someone has persistent health anxiety, the goal is to coordinate care so the person gets appropriate medical and behavioral support without the burden of fragmented visits and repetitive symptom checking. The case manager fits this role best because they act as the central link among the primary care provider, mental health professionals, and community resources. They assess needs, arrange referrals to evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy, coordinate appointments, and ensure the care plan remains consistent across all providers. This structured, integrated approach helps address the underlying anxiety, guides the patient through a clear pathway of care, and reduces the preoccupation with symptoms by limiting unnecessary tests and visits.

The primary physician focuses on medical management but isn’t primarily responsible for coordinating multiple services or orchestrating mental health referrals. A social worker can help with psychosocial resources and support, but their role is not centered on overarching care coordination across disciplines. A family therapist addresses family dynamics and relational issues, not the overall management of ongoing medical and behavioral health care.