October 16th 2024
AI is poised to revolutionize the patient’s and the clinician’s journey, from initial symptom assessment to long-term care management.
October 7th 2024
Your weekly dose of wisdom from the Physicians Practice experts.
September 30th 2024
September 27th 2024
This is not a time to be defensive or be oft-putting. Show the patient that you respect their right to make decisions about their care. Avoid being defensive or dismissive.
September 10th 2024
A look at how communication can repair the divide between physician and patient.
Five Ways to Decrease Patient Wait Times
More and more, patient wait times are going to be vital to improving satisfaction and bottom-line revenue. Here are five ways to shrink wait times.
Inbox: Fast Food Medicine
In our recurring blog "Inbox" we share comments from physicians and practice administrators telling us what keeps them awake at night.
How Close is Too Close with Patients?
"The Waiting Room Rule" is one way to determine whether or not you are getting too close with a patient and showing favoritism.
Crumbling Boundaries Between Patients and Doctors
The relationship between physicians and their patients is at the core of medical practice. However, outside forces are changing the physician-patient dynamic.
When It’s Okay to Disclose PHI and When It’s Not
The ins and outs of when you can legally disclose patient information and when you can't aren't always obvious. Here's a little guidance.
Being a Patient Makes Us Better Providers
A certified PA's own experience as a patient offers reminders and insights on how to better serve patients.
The New Issues Related to Dr. Google in Medicine
Patients are using misinformation on the web to call in orders for medication, in a growing problem known as "fast food medicine."
The Inbox: Asset Protection in Volatile Times
Patients Don't Know A Lot about Commonly Used NSAIDs
A new survey reveals that the public's education on NSAIDs leaves a lot to be desired. The onus, one doctor says, falls on healthcare providers to do so.
Defining a Patient-Focused Organization
With the increased emphasis on patient satisfaction and quality of care it is helpful to ask yourself if your practice is a patient-focused organization.
Patient Satisfaction Surveys: Doing More Harm than Good?
With the cost of healthcare rising, is it really wise for hospitals to spend money on services that you'd find at the Ritz Carlton?
Creating a Sustainable Direct Primary Care Practice
Making the jump to direct primary care isn't going to generate changes overnight, but this doctor says it was worth it.
Six Ways to Bring Consumerism to Healthcare
As patients adopt a consumer mindset in purchasing healthcare services, healthcare organizations need to implement a consumerism strategy.
Certified PAs Can Help Fight Child/Adolescent Obesity
PAs can develop screening protocols, share basic nutrition and exercise information, and provide a list of community resources for overweight patients.
The Problems with Direct-to-Consumer Pharma Advertising
While there may be a benefit to pharmaceutical companies advertising to consumers directly, this doctor sees too many problems with it.
5 Things to Know When Your Practice Gets a Nasty Review
If your practice gets a nasty review, here are some legal and practical considerations to note.
How to Diagnose a Patient's Phone Neck
When does your patient have "phone neck" issues from playing too much Pokémon Go? As you can tell from this cartoon, it's easy to tell.
Patient Confidentiality and Pinkie Swears
Here's an interesting way that one patient is trying to ensure his confidentiality is held secret within the walls of the examination room. It's unnecessary.
Introducing a New Physician to Your Practice
Adding a new physician to your practice requires a sound communication plan that encompasses your patients, social media, and staff.
Patient Collection Strategies that Work for New Plans
If your practice is struggling to collect all that it is due from patients, here's how you can stack the deck in your favor.
Innovating to Improve Patient Satisfaction Scores
An innovative nine-year old patient is proof there are outside-the-box ways to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Maintaining a Relationship with Patients in Disagreement
Patients might not always agree with your diagnosis. It's important for docs to maintain a good relationship with them when having a difficult conversation.
Physicians, Address the Obesity Issue with Patients
Many doctors are afraid to address a patient's obesity with them. This is the wrong approach, says one doctor.
Making Your Patient Waiting Room Friendly for All
The Civility CEO lets you know how to ensure your patients' waiting room is friendly for people of all ages and all temperaments.
The Inbox: Offsetting Declining Practice Revenue
The Debate over the Placebo Effect
Should doctors be able to freely use placebos to alleviate psychiatric suffering? Dr. Frank weighs the two sides to the debate.
Transparency in Patient Relations Is Best
Patient can be irate when it comes to higher than expected bills. This practice found the best way to address the issue is to be frank.
Three Patterns of Self Reflection from Physicians
In a study, physicians were asked to reflect on their communication with patients. Three themes seemed to emerge.
Practice Rounds: Sharing Dangerous Opioid Medication
One in five family members share pain medications with each other. Also, ACA healthcare premiums predicted to rise dramatically.
Improving Medical Care through Open-Ended Reflections
Researchers recently discovered that physicians can improve care by looking in the metaphorical mirror through "open-ended reflections."