HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT June 1997 In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the American Academy of Family Physicians, this month's issue of Family Practice Management focuses on today's family practice:
The Family Practice Spectrum--Family physicians from across the country submitted their "stories" to the editors of Family Practice Management. These åsnapshots' provide a sampling of the many hues of family practice today.
Bringing the Best to the Inner City--Neighborhood family practice in inner city Cleveland delivers quality care in an environment that's more enriching for patients and staff. Using a quality circle, the staff of this nonprofit private practice helped design a floorplan to address the accessibility needs of both patients and staff.
Measuring the Value of Primary Care--Shane J. Kraus, MD, medical director of West End Family Practice in Richmond, VA, describes his practice as high-tech, high-touch primary care. The practice uses the results of patient satisfaction surveys to assess physicians' performance based on standards that the patients are in a position to measure.
The Case for Computerized Practice--Computers have touched nearly every aspect of Don Greggain, MD's solo family practice in northeast Washington, and he couldn't be happier. Dr. Greggain describes how computerized patient records (CPRs) are used to enhance physician/patient communications, and streamline office paperwork.
Embracing the Alternative--One Colorado family physician tells how he integrates his practice with "complementary" therapies. According to Joel Miller, MD, "We each have a piece of the patient puzzle. If we all provide the best care within our own areas of expertise, maybe we can complete the puzzle."
Niche Marketing in Rural America--The owners of a small group practice in Oklahoma have succeeded in attracting considerable business from the workers' compensation, acute care, and nursing home markets in their community.
Cash Patients: An Unexpected Opportunity in Managed Care--Bob Young, MD, a California family physician, focuses on providing care for cash-paying patients, many of whom are the working uninsured. Dr. Young says of the managed care environment, "We don't have to sell our practices and become employees. We can be entrepreneurs and do well."
Giving Back to the Community (A full calendar does not guarantee a full life. Volunteering just might)--This article looks at a range of volunteer activities undertaken by family physicians that are in concert with the ideals of family practice.
Family Practice Management may be referenced by logging on to its website at: http://www.aafp.org/family/fpm/index.html.
Let us know if you would like copies of these articles or an interview with a family physician. We can be reached at 800/274-2237; Dawn--ext. 4222, Dena--ext. 4202, Jana--ext. 4204, or Helen--4205.
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