Junction Medical Practice News - October 2010
I am happy to once again send you our monthly e-newsletter. Due to some computer program upgrades, we lost the group email function. Thanks to out tech support folks at NET Platform, we now have a “new and improved”e-newsletter sent via our website.
PRACTICE NEWS
On September 15th, we enrolled our 1000th patient. When I returned to practice and opened Junction Medical in January on 2009, achieving our goal of 1000 patients seemed a long way off. During the initial 6 months I had my doubts - “Can an independent, solo practice make it in Peoria?”
Fortunately, through word of mouth and a timely article in the Peoria Journal Star, patients seeking a different, patient centered practice started scheduling visits. Many of you voiced frustrations with your current care:
“I can't get a timely appointment with my doctor.”
“When I arrive for my visit, I wait over an hour before I'm seen.”
“The office staff doesn't seem to know me – I'm just another patient.”
“Everything seems so rushed; the staff and doctor seem stressed out.”
Now, we aren't perfect by any means. But we do try to make the office experience less frustrating and more meaningful to you. We will always remain a “work in progress” type of practice, so let us know how we can continue to improve.
STAFF NEWS
After 1 ½ years of doing just about everything, and I mean everything, Marilyn wants some time off for grand kids, vacations and relaxation. Well, okay, but the office can't function without a reception person- the price of growth I suppose. Marilyn and I are excited and relieved to welcome Margaret (prefers to go by Marg) to our team. She will work a day per week and also provide continuity for our practice when Marilyn is out. I'm sure you will find Marg easy to work with. She is looking forward to meeting all of you.
FLU
The CDC is recommending that everyone receive this year's single dose flu vaccine (includes H1N1), especially those over patients over 65 or with chronic illnesses. Call us or just come by – we have no shortage of vaccine this year! If you receive the vaccine elsewhere, let us know since we measure our flu vaccine rates.
IDEAL MEDICAL PRACTICE (IMP)
I recently returned from an IMP conference hosted in Denver. It was a great time on two fronts – I got to spend time with my daughter and her fiancee in addition to sharing ideas and experiences with 75 other physicians who are all involved in developing and sustaining their unique versions of the Ideal Medical Practice – more about that in the next newsletter.
Thanks again for your support – the road to 1000 has been a great journey – let's keep it going!
-Mike Jongerius
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