Hitting Stride

For the past few weeks, Gena and I have been seeing patients in our new office location. While the cold, icy weather has slowed down patient flow some, it has allowed us to work out the kinks of operations and get things together (as much as possible). Thanks to our wonderful staff (Theresa, Christy, Jessica, Samantha, and Tiffany) we are starting to hit our stride. While we have a few cosmetic issues to work out as well as a couple of computer issues, we are ready to take care of almost anything we plan to do. The transition team from Floyd Memorial Medical Group was amazing in condensing our move. We are grateful to all who have worked so hard to make our new venture possible.

So what is it we are doing? Many of my patients have questioned me over the past couple of years with concerns about who there doctor will be under the new healthcare system. Many have fears that they would not have access and would not be able to keep their doctor as "theirs". We want to combat that concern and give patients some assurance ( as much as we can give) that they can know who "their doctor is". When a patient chooses me ( or Gena) to take care of their healthcare needs, they get us...24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. During regular office hours they can schedule appointments with either of us. After hours, they can call the office and are given instructions on how to reach me if they need me. I answer the phone almost all of the time, but will occasionally use voicemail and messaging to allow me to go to church, movies, school functions, etc. When patients call, they will be given a short time frame in which I will call them back. They will hear from "their" doctor...the one who knows them best. 

Some people have asked how we will be able to have any kind of lifestyle and do this. Well, we think our patients are reasonable people. We don't mind answering the phone and advising patients when they really need us. Now, if someone calls at 3 a.m. Sunday  with a hangnail they have had for three weeks, I might ask them to start seeing someone else. But if one of our patients needs us, we want to be there for them. We don't mind helping decide if something can wait until the next day or needs an emergency room or urgent care visit. We don't mind helping someone know what to do with a child that has a fever. 

Also, when someone chooses us, we will take the responsibility to be sure they have all of their preventive issues addressed. We will remind them of recommended tests for screening, immunizations, and lifestyle modifications to improve their chance of a better quality of life. We will also attempt to coordinate care with specialists that they need. Using our computer systems we will be able to monitor tests, medications, specialty visits, and hospital stays, even when we are away from the office.

Talking with a patient this week, he said, "It sounds like you have a 1950’s doctor-patient relationship with 2014 technology". I couldn't have summed it up any better. We are proud to let you know "who your doctor is".