Your Primary Care Team Will See You Now

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Taking teamwork up a notch is the most effective way to improve the cost effectiveness of health care. The current state of the art wastes a lot of potential by limiting scope of practice for personal or political reasons that fail to connect with the goal of providing the best patient care.
Becoming an excellent team requires a deep commitment. Even when the team is doing okay, it takes a lot of work to become excellent. For teams that aren't quite okay, it's an even bigger deal.
But improving teamwork is very doable.
Michael
www.workengagement.com/crew

Michael Leiter of MA 7:02AM November 23, 2010

30 years as a PA. I enjoyed the article. I agree, the physical exam (and medical history) does take time to learn. PAs are highly educated and trained individuals who are taught this truly important part of practice. It is ingrained from day one in school, and all of use, practice and refine the art each and every day of our career.

Ed Mathes of NY 12:58PM November 20, 2010

Over 60% of patient's visits to family practice/primary care doctors involve symptom complaints related to mental health origins (anxiety, depression, etc).
What's very encouraging is that primary care medicine has begun to recognize the value of integrating mental health consultants into their practices. On-site psychologists in primary care practices, serving as behavioral health consultants/resources, when added to traditional medical staff/team helps to ease patient access to oft-needed counseling or psychotherapy.
As a psychologist located within a family medical practice, I see first-hand how the stigma associated with seeking mental health is reduced by my presence in the practice, and how the coordination of care between mental and physical health increases the likelihood of improvement in physical health.
www.barrylessin.com

Barry Lessin of PA 11:30AM November 20, 2010

You may like taking chances with your life. However for me, I would like to know who is in charge and calling the shots.
I get very worried when your types try to impose your likes on others.

gene of FL 11:39PM November 19, 2010

I agree that it is imperative to the healthcare team as a whole that each one knows and understands their individual role and where a medical assistant can read charts and test results to determine if a patient needs a referral or isn't up to date on an immunization. Also, equally important is that each medical office team member understands what is expected, and where their scope of practice begins and ends. This, in my opinion can only be achieved through proper education and training, preferably through a vocational training institution for medical assistants. I can foresee the days of hiring a medical assistant off the street and training them on the job are soon going to be history and in the past. Most employers post in their job ads: we want 1-2 years of experience, and certifications. They no longer are willing to train. Source: http://www.medicalassistant.net

Danni R. of MA 5:26PM November 19, 2010