Rural areas face numerous challenges that are being amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. In rural America, we have older populations, a larger percentage of minorities, higher rates of comorbidities, more economic disadvantages, and fewer and less sophisticated medical facilities. West Alabama, where I practice, and East Mississippi are at the center of the stroke belt and … [Read more...] about Could Rural Medicine’s Approach to COVID-19 Solve Long-Standing Disparities in American Healthcare?
Making the Clinic Work
Optimizing Clinic Flow: We Need Margins
The Effects of Stress We are stressed as individual physicians and individual staff members. Our patients are under multiple stressors too. Virtually every practice faces some grim realities. If we don’t gain control we will slowly be driven out of business, into early retirement, or face the consequences of true burnout. Every aspect of medicine is under tremendous … [Read more...] about Optimizing Clinic Flow: We Need Margins
Case Study: PA Feels Heard by Her Doctor
PA was nervous going to a new primary care provider. She has no major medical concerns but does not like going to the doctor because of prior bad experiences. When Dr. B entered the room for the first visit, she sat down and pushed her computer to the side. Dr. B looked PA in the eyes to start the conversation and said, “tell me your story,” sitting back ready to listen. PA … [Read more...] about Case Study: PA Feels Heard by Her Doctor
Case Study: Dr. HF Doesn’t Build Confidence
TS has been struggling with dizziness for several years. He has been to several doctors in multiple specialties. He has set up an appointment with a new doctor and is hopeful that the encounter will be positive. Dr. HF walks into the room still talking to one of the practice nurses, who is out in the hall. Dr. HF remains standing and his first question to TS is why did he not … [Read more...] about Case Study: Dr. HF Doesn’t Build Confidence
Case Study: The Effect of Patient Engagement on Medical Practice Efficiency
Dr. A and Dr. B have been partners in a medical practice for a long time and see a similar patient population. However, they manage patient engagement quite differently. Several years ago, Dr. A made a conscious effort to involve each patient in the decision-making process and take ownership in their care. Patients were required to sign up for a portal account with the … [Read more...] about Case Study: The Effect of Patient Engagement on Medical Practice Efficiency