Finding the Right Exam Room (Part 2 of 12)

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Given the hectic pace of dermatology practice and the fact that most physicians in our research managed 3-6 exam rooms each, it’s important for physicians to have a quick, easy way to know which exam room they should visit next. Physicians shouldn’t leave any one patient waiting too long, nor should they wander the halls wondering what to do next.

Some dermatology groups use lighting systems to solve the problem — color-coded signals outside each exam room and near registration tell staff and physicians when new patients have arrived, which rooms have patients waiting to be seen, and which need to be cleaned.

The Patient-Centered Dermatology Practice found that most dermatologists use 3–6 exam rooms each.

Others use a workflow module that their practice management systems provide, alerting the clinical area that a patient has arrived, then tracking the patient to his exam room.

There also are low-tech alternatives. One practice uses plastic tabs or “flags” outside each room that can be swung out — each color indicates a different stage of the exam: physician assistant needed, physician needed, and so on. Another uses magnetized photo frames with pictures of the physicians’ families. To know which room to enter next, all physicians have to do is look for their family — and it’s also a nice reminder of why they are rushing around in the first place.

Use whatever method works and suits your budget, but the simpler the system the better. We have seen practices buy fancy lighting systems only to find that staff become lazy about using them consistently. They are too busy running around meeting physician needs to worry about switching lights every two minutes. The lights collect dust. Other practices use such systems to great effect. The point is to ponder how the tool will work in your practice.

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Disclaimer: The material above has been prepared by Physicians Practice. It has not been reviewed by the DermQuest Editorial Board for its accuracy or reliability. Reference to any products, service, or other information does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by members of the Editorial Board.