Patients who feel strongly that you should provide follow-up care may pursue legal recourse to enforce the provisions of their insuring agreement. Over the long term, these activities invite miscalculations and mistakes. The risk for claims is likely to increase as practice volume grows. Common Dilemmas Payment levels do not justify enlarging the office staff. Demands for increased documentation, improved quality assurance, and intensified utilization management interfere with provision of patient care.
Recommendations Work toward becoming a paperless office.
Electronic medical record keeping systems are a practical, workable reality in today's office environment. Such systems produce enormous time and cost savings. They automate the processing of health insurance claims, produce medical outcomes information needed by MCOS, generate education materials tailored to the needs of each patient, and reduce the risk of errors. Meet regularly with office personnel to develop protocols for streamlining routine activities such as follow-up on missed appointments and referrals, telephone call documentation, and scheduling of diagnostic tests. Utilize continuous quality improvement concepts, particularly those that give staff members the power to change procedures that interfere with quality patient care.