One of the goals of the National Demonstration Project is encourage real-time learning and feedback "from the field." To that end, here are some action items from Dr. McGeeney's December CEO report. These are the 7 elements of successful practice transformation that are emerging from the NDP.
1. Change needs to be anticipated and aggressively managed. Allowed to simply evolve, uncontrolled change processes will cause practices to struggle. In frustration, they may revert to old, ineffective and even detrimental behaviors.
 Click here for 8 tips on successful change management.
2. Communication is critical to success. We have seen significant early successes in practices that implement daily "huddles" between physicians and staff, as well as planned meetings.
Read more about strategies for effective practice meetings.
3. Saying you do something doesn't make it so. We have all experienced patients that say they're improving their diet and exercising, but never achieve any results…You must bring the same focus on realized, measurable results that you use with your patients to your own practice transformation efforts.
Learn more about the positive outcomes for patients and providers achievable through advanced access scheduling in this article entitled "The Outcomes of Open-Access Scheduling" from Family Practice Management.
Assess your practice performance in key areas with these tools from the AAFP's Family Practice Management Toolbox.
4. It is critical that the business aspect of your practice is managed to the fullest. We all went into medicine to "save lives" and many don't want to deal with complex business issues, but someone within every practice must assume the responsibility for business and financial management.
A good first step is to develop a budget for your practice. Find out more in this article entitled "Three Steps to an Effective Practice Budget" from FPM.
5. Many common sense efficiencies that reduce office overhead are often overlooked.
Here are a few examples:
- Reduce transcription costs by using well-designed EHR templates
- Consider employing vs. outsourcing for overhead services. For example, transcription services or payroll
- Review and streamline payment collection processes/AR cycle
- Work with a purchasing group for medical/office supplies
6. The "comprehensive practice" concept recommends that practices provide as many services as possible within the practice. It makes good economic sense for your practice and is a proven aspect of providing excellent patient-centered care.
What profitable procedures, testing, and labs can be brought in-house at your practice?
7. Retail clinics are a major concern for practicing Family Physicians. The way to deal with them effectively is clear: provide more comprehensive and accessible services and better care for patients. The TransforMED model of care provides a roadmap to do just that.
Review the components of the TransforMED Patient-Centered Medical Home Model. |
Toll Free 1.866.826.8700 | Phone 913.906.6330 | Fax 913.906.6326 | info@transforMED.com
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