January 2010 E-Letter

E COMMUNICATION

During the last quarter of 2009, we averaged 15 - 20 daily e mail exchanges with our patients. Using e-mail to request information, set up an appointment , schedule a test, or receive results is both timely and efficient. Sure beats phone messages, busy signals and promotional "on hold" messages!

2010 GOAL

One of our goals for 2010 is to improve our referral (consultation) process. The current system is too slow, cumbersome and time consuming. It may work well for large practices that have dedicated scheduling staff, but Marilyn and I realize it is not efficient for our Ideal Medical Practice (IMP) model.

So for this year, we will evaluate all referrals using the following 4 indicators -

1. Ease/efficiency of scheduling the referral.
2. Timely confirmation of appointment date and time with the requested specialist.
3. Sending clinical information to consultant with specific reason for request (that is on us).
4. Receiving timely (goal is 1 week) consultation report from the specialist.

We will work with the specialty and hospital based offices to remove obstacles, improve exchange of clinical information, and minimize delays.

In addition, we will ask you about your experience - did you find the consultation valuable?
I hope to be able to provide a progress report in mid year.

REMINDERS

• Please provide us with your new insurance card at time of your visit.
• Please be prepared to pay your co-pay at time of visit.
• Look for our first quality and service report that will be posted on our Web site by the end of February. www.junctionmedical.com

All our previous E-letters are archived on this site.

Valentine's Day is coming up. Flowers, candy, and dinner out are nice BUT do you know your cholesterol level?

Sincerely,
Mike & Marilyn