Sure, it has always been your job to give patients medical instructions at the time of their office visit and when they were discharged from the hospital. The next time they came in for an office visit you would ask if they followed your advice. Like most practices, you may keep a few instruction sheets or brochures about certain medical conditions. Pharmaceutical representatives have traditionally provided these printed materials. It is time to get serious about expanding your patient education program.
Patient education is the golden egg of managed care.
Assuming more responsibility for patient education in the ambulatory setting keeps patients healthier and keeps medical conditions from worsening. It can reduce the need for hospitalization. Patients can be taught the importance of prevention, early treatment and overall health maintenance. They will partner with you for a healthier life style. Your patients can learn ways to reduce the chance of serious health problems and complications.