NOTES FROM THE CMO

Matthew Miller, MD.

PHYSICIAN SATISFACTION SURVEY

1. “Reporting test results in a timely, clear and accurate manner”

The conversion of our Lab and Radiology reporting system to Cerner Millennium wreaked havoc for some time. Most of the issues are resolved but some of the original customization will take additional time to restore. The laboratory will offer a choice of options to each office as to how and when results are received.

Meanwhile, the summary of ED visits has received additional attention and we are working to make sure that the summary meets your needs and is easily accessible on your patients who have an ED visit.

Radiology undertook a major project to improve turn around time for results (time from test to completion of available report). Their aggressive goal was to hit 90% turnaround time in 24hours and we’re told they accomplished the goal late in June. Let us know if that isn’t happening.

Radiology, in collaboration with other clinical departments, is working on the content and format of their reports. They are committed to giving you information on comparison studies, answering your specific questions, bulleting the impression with appropriate prioritization, and giving you a differential diagnosis when appropriate. Details to follow soon.

2. “Providing your patients with easy access to care-scheduling visits or procedures”

Cardiology, Pulmonary, Endocrine and GI were identified as problem areas in Medicine, at least within DOPS. Psychiatry and Radiology were also mentioned.

Each area is actively working on improvements. For example, Radiology now has one number for central scheduling and has slots for same day studies. GI and cardiology (DOPS and community based) have slots for same day or next day visits for patients in need. Pulmonary has added a new physician. Endocrine also added a new physician and now an APRN, but we recognize that this area needs additional attention. For the younger set, our new Chair of Pediatrics, Raul Arguello, is a pediatric endocrinologist.

PCPs and Hospitalists continue to work on their collaboration, including getting to know one another. We’re planning an evening cocktail party in September to bring everyone together. We are committed to work with PCPs to better coordinate the care of your patients.

3. “Quality of Hospital Sponsored CME activity”

This item actually scored pretty high but we are working on a plan to give you access to many of the hospital based CME programs by DVD----and then figuring out a way to offer you CME credit through an online brief quiz and tracking program. More details to follow soon.