OBJECTIVE: To provide rheumatologic care to patients in a timely and patient-centered manner. METHODS: We developed and implemented processes to measure and help eliminate backlog, created access time for same-day patients, and retooled the appointments process to be more efficient and patient focused. In addition, we developed a protocol to be used by our primary care colleagues to care for osteoarthritis of the knee in a standardized manner. RESULTS: The third available rheumatology appointment fell from about 60 days to <2 days. Cancellations fell from 40% to <20%. Patient satisfaction measures (composite score, physician score, and accessibility score) improved significantly. The number of new patients seen for knee osteoarthritis decreased by 6.7%, whereas the number of new rheumatoid arthritis referrals increased by 50.4%. Financial performance improved as well. CONCLUSIONS: This advanced access model in a busy academic rheumatology practice demonstrated considerable improvement in access, patient satisfaction, and finances. Using a team approach, we are now able to give the patient the rheumatologic care they want and need at a time they want and need it.
OBJECTIVE: To provide rheumatologic care to patients in a timely and patient-centered manner. METHODS: We developed and implemented processes to measure and help eliminate backlog, created access time for same-day patients, and retooled the appointments process to be more efficient and patient focused. In addition, we developed a protocol to be used by our primary care colleagues to care for osteoarthritis of the knee in a standardized manner. RESULTS: The third available rheumatology appointment fell from about 60 days to <2 days. Cancellations fell from 40% to <20%. Patient satisfaction measures (composite score, physician score, and accessibility score) improved significantly. The number of new patients seen for knee osteoarthritis decreased by 6.7%, whereas the number of new rheumatoid arthritis referrals increased by 50.4%. Financial performance improved as well. CONCLUSIONS: This advanced access model in a busy academic rheumatology practice demonstrated considerable improvement in access, patient satisfaction, and finances. Using a team approach, we are now able to give the patient the rheumatologic care they want and need at a time they want and need it.
Authors: Meghan M Scheibe; John B Imboden; Gabriela Schmajuk; Mary Margaretten; Jonathan D Graf; Alice H Chen; Edward H Yelin; Jinoos Yazdany Journal: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) Date: 2015-08 Impact factor: 4.794
Authors: José Andrés Román Ivorra; Juan Antonio Martínez; Pablo Lázaro; Federico Navarro; Antonio Fernandez-Nebro; Eugenio de Miguel; Estibaliz Loza; Loreto Carmona Journal: Rheumatol Int Date: 2013-04-09 Impact factor: 2.631
Authors: Leticia Leon; Juan Angel Jover; Estibaliz Loza; Maria Victoria Zunzunegui; Cristina Lajas; Cristina Vadillo; Oscar Fontsere; Luis Rodriguez-Rodriguez; Cristina Martinez; Benjamin Fernandez-Gutierrez; Lydia Abasolo Journal: Rheumatol Int Date: 2013-01-11 Impact factor: 2.631