Preparing for the Visit (Part 4 of 12)

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Getting ready for a patient's visit doesn't end when the appointment slot is filled. What a practice does — or fails to do — before the patient walks into the exam room can determine whether the patient receives the highest possible quality of care. Think through the various tasks you do in the course of a patient visit, then think about what can be done in advance, accomplished in fewer steps, or completed by someone other than the physician. Our research shows that dermatology practices have 3-6 staff members per physician, which means that physicians need to rely on staff for nonclinical functions.

• Use a chart preview process — The day before the clinical session (or throughout the day if your practice does same-day scheduling), preview each of that day's charts to make sure test results and anything else needed is included. As discussed previously, this is also a great time to identify patients needing osteoporosis screening.
• Fill in the blanks — Similarly, staff can pull any additional information that the physician will need during the visit. For example, patient education materials can be pulled or test orders can be prepared for the physician's signature.
• Have nonphysician providers review basic education — Many practices we spoke with use pamphlets or videos to teach patients about osteoporosis and its treatment. No matter what you use, it will save time to have it handy at the start of the exam rather than casting about for it during your time with the patient.

The Patient-Centered Dermatology Practice found an average of 3-6 staff members per dermatologist.

Many physicians feel the staff doesn't have time to do such preparation before each clinical session. But the fact is that they do that work anyway. All of those tasks are fulfilled when the patient waits or the physician scrambles around to find the information herself. The chaos becomes all-consuming and leaves everyone tired and stressed. Instead, try shifting these tasks from the clinical session to the less-crazy period just before office hours begin. Physicians will soon find themselves leaving the practice a little earlier — and a lot less stressed — at the end of each day.

Our essay next month will be "Using the Fourth Exam Room."

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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.