CLINICAL CORNER
By: Christina Grimesey, Senior Consultant
ROOMING YOUR PATIENTS FOR BETTER PATIENT CARE
Whether you are a single-physician family practice seeing thirty patients a day or a busy multi practice seeing hundreds of patients a day, the procedures you have in place to room your patients can help your productivity and patient care. Medical assistants, nurses and support staff have a tremendous responsibility that should not be taken lightly by them or the physicians. Specific procedures and documentations are imperative for the successful patient visit.
From the time the patient makes their appointment to the time the physician starts his/her exam, it is important to document all complaints, vital signs, medication, wound size, pathology, lab results, etc. A successful medical assistant, nurse or support staff will have all items needed for the physician to be as informed and efficient as possible. This can be a very challenging job. Results that have not been received or filed, patient add-ons, staffing issues, electronic medical records verses paper medical records, referral information and so on can be reasons for the lack of information but completely avoidable.
Organization, communication and written procedures will help the office staff obtain the information needed to increase the level of service for each patient visit. Steps to implement could include:
- Chart prep
- Staff assigned to specific physician to obtain information
- Training in medical procedures
- Review of staff proficiency
- Follow up on lab results prior to the appointment
- Documenting the reason for the visit and requesting patients bring medical information, lab results and medication at the time of appointment
- Electronic medical records
The list could be endless depending on the specialty and needs of the practice. Evaluating this process can make the difference between an organized visit and a frustrating visit – for the patient, staff and physician. Proper in-house and seminar training and specific written procedures can increase patient care and productivity and be well worth the cost.
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