The Pulse is the bi-weekly e-newsletter from The Physician Alliance, one of Michigan's largest physician organizations serving more than 2,200 primary care and specialty physicians.
The Pulse of The Physician Alliance
Friday, September 1, 2017
Healthy Michigan materials available for patients

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides materials on a multitude of health topics, including vaccinations, cancer, nutrition and more.

The Healthy Michigan Clearinghouse offers a selection of brochures, posters and flyers at no charge to Michigan practices and residents. Check out the available materials and order today.
Home calls to discharged SJP patients begin Sept. 5

St. John Providence is launching a new automated program that will place a phone call within 24-72 hours of discharge to patients who are at high risk due to clinical or service-related concerns. The goal is to address any medication or follow-up care questions as quickly as possible. Another benefit is the ability to rapidly correct any customer service issues that patients may have experienced. The expectation is that this program can reduce unnecessary readmissions and improve patient satisfaction.
 
Nursing staff will inform patients at the time of discharge to expect the call. Patients will be assured that the call is brief (about 2 minutes) and consists of four questions:
  1. Compared to yesterday, would you say your health is better, worse or about the same?
  2. Do you have any questions about your medications?
  3. Were you satisfied with the care you received at our facility?
  4. Do you have all the information you need to schedule and go to a follow-up visit with your doctor?
Call information is triaged back to hospital nurse champions if a patient's responses trigger an alert. A nurse may then personally contact the patient for follow up and resolution of their concern.
 
WHO MAKES THE PATIENT OUTREACH CALLS?
SJP is partnering with a company called CONNECT to automatically place calls using a software program and pre-programmed female voice. The automated call lasts approximately 2 minutes.
 
HOW IS THE INFORMATION FROM THE CONNECT PROGRAM USED?
Program information is used in real-time to ensure a safe transition home for all patients and improve the patient experience. Additionally, reports can be run at the unit, multiple unit/department, and hospital levels to provide outcome information about our patient discharge process.
 
Questions or concerns should be directed to Denise Baize at denise.baize@ascension.org or (586) 753-0729.
Compliance seminar offers important tips for your practice

FREQUENTLY-ASKED COMPLIANCE QUESTIONS
Friday, Sept. 15, 2017; 8-9:30am

Learn how to keep your practice safe from potential vulnerabilities, protect your practice from a breach, when you should have a lawyer review your contracts to avoid conflicts, and more. Don't miss this important education session!

Speaker: Lori-Ann Rickard, Rickard & Associates

Who should attend: Physicians, office managers and compliance officers

Location: St. John Macomb Oakland Hospital - Oakland Education Center, 27351 Dequindre, Madison Heights
 
Continental breakfast provided.

REGISTER for this seminar.
LoVasco Consulting Group provides customized insurance options, employee benefits, and retirement planning solutions to practices. TPA members receive access to proprietary insurance products and a complimentary financial evaluation of their employee group health benefits program.

  Learn more about these services.
The Physician Alliance | 20952 Twelve Mile, Suite 130, St. Clair Shores MI 48081 | 586-498-3555
thephysicianalliance@thephysicianalliance.org | www.thephysicianalliance.org