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Caring for Chronic Conditions in Primary Care

Caring for Chronic Conditions in Primary Care

by | Sep 5, 2013

With the Patient Protec­tion and Affordable Care Act now underway, more attention is being focused on patient-centered and coordinated care. As a result, primary care physicians (PCPs) are seeking new ways to organize care around patients. This includes providing in-office services that meet all of patients’ healthcare needs and/or taking responsibility for appropriate referrals. Within MaxHeath Family Medicine, the focus is on increasing our ability to address all patient health concerns by adding a diverse array of services. In addition to a patient clinic, our practice houses centers for allergy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, cosmetic medicine, and weight loss. It also offers centers for sports medicine, brain health, and mental health. By offering more services, we have successfully improved patient outcomes, as well as financial benefits for the practice. A Focus on Allergic Rhinitis & Asthma Efficient treatment of chronic conditions is important to cultivating patient-centered primary care. Nearly half of all Americans have a chronic condition, and the prevalence of such conditions continues to increase. For example, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR), which often precedes the onset of chronic allergic asthma. To enhance care of chronic conditions, we must shift from simple chronic disease-state management toward prevention-focused care.               In an effort to address AR, my colleagues and I implemented additional AR treatment protocols by establishing an allergy center. We work with United Allergy Services to supply allergy testing and immunotherapy to patients. For those who view their symptoms as a minor inconvenience, it is important that they avoid specific allergens. However, this avoidance approach can only work...
Improving ED Communication & Patient Throughput

Improving ED Communication & Patient Throughput

by | May 30, 2013

Among the many Affordable Care Act initiatives rumbling through the healthcare industry, the introduction of 30 to 40 million new patients is certain to create additional stress to an already overburdened healthcare system. As a result, hospitals must find ways to increase their patient throughput and operational efficiency. Unfortunately, inefficient inpatient discharge practices continue to create unnecessarily long hospital stays. Patient throughput in the ED impacts the rest of the hospital system. ED lengths of stay generally increase when hospital occupancy levels exceed 90%, so enhanced communication and patient throughput are vital throughout the acute care setting. Although many factors can hinder patient flow, nearly 70% of clinicians cite communication as the most challenging cause of patient throughput delays. EDs: The Communication Ground Zero Communication in the ED sets the course for patient flow throughout the hospital. Safe, efficient, quality care in the ED requires frequent and effective communication. Nearly half of EDs report operating at or above capacity, and wait times and patient visits have risen steadily for the last 20 years. Initial communication with ED patients must be a top priority. As soon as patients register at the ED, they must be clearly informed of their anticipated treatment. Early communication about details, such as estimated wait times, anticipated discharge times, and availability of immediate treatments for minor symptoms, can smooth transitions of care.  Intricacies are sometimes forgotten but have a tremendous impact on patient throughput. The physical design of individual patient rooms can greatly affect throughput. When rooms are well-designed and provide optimum flexibility, patients can receive faster, more efficient care. In order to save space for...
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