scholarly journals Transitions of Care Operations at a Family Medicine Clinic: Patient Follow Up and Financial Outcome Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Thomas ◽  
Jessica Skelley ◽  
Julie Wheeler ◽  
English Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Family Medicine ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Financial Outcomes ◽  
Medicine Clinic ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Financial Consequences ◽  
Emergency Department Discharge

Introduction: Coordinating smooth patient transitions remains a growing area of interest among healthcare professionals in light of the addition of the Readmission Reductions Program to the Affordable Care Act, which enables CMS to penalize hospitals for 30-day readmissions due to myocardial infarction, pneumonia, heart failure, and in due time, COPD. 2 Many facilities have tested varying TOC models previously piloted at other institutions, focusing on ensuring the proper measures are in place before patients depart. However, there is a significant lack in data quantifying the rate of timely patient follow up after discharge, despite the evidence supporting the value of this visit. The purpose of this study is to analyze TOC outcomes at a local family medicine clinic to assess potential lack of billing utilization and gaps of care related to patient follow up. Methods: The investigators were provided with emergency department discharge charts from the local hospital affiliated with the family medicine clinic; discharge dates ranged from April 2014 to August 2014. Discharge charts were analyzed to establish medical complexity. Investigators used electronic medical records to extract descriptive data to analyze patient and financial outcomes. A subgroup analysis was performed utilizing a subset of patients identified as “established” at the clinic. Results: A total of 317 unique discharge reports were evaluated, with 104 of those in the “established” patient subgroup. During the study period, 8.8% of the total group of patients demonstrated timely follow-up. Additionally, rate of incorrect billing techniques was 79%. A consequence of the low percentage of patient follow up and improper billing is missed revenue opportunity for the clinic; financial consequences range from $3,248.60-$67,150 over the 5 month period. Conclusion: A coordinated outpatient TOC procedure cannot be determined from this study. However, need for further analysis of outcomes at outpatient facilities has been identified.   Type: Original Research

scholarly journals Effect of diabetes self-management education on glycaemic control among type 2 diabetic patients at a family medicine clinic in Kenya: A randomised controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine W. Gathu ◽  
Jacob Shabani ◽  
Nancy Kunyiha ◽  
Riaz Ratansi
Keyword(s):  
Family Medicine ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Medicine Clinic ◽  
The Family

Background: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a key component of diabetes care aimed at delaying complications. Unlike usual care, DSME is a more structured educational approach provided by trained, certified diabetes educators (CDE). In Kenya, many diabetic patients are yet to receive this integral component of care. At the family medicine clinic of the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Nairobi, the case is no different; most patients lack education by CDE.Aim: This study sought to assess effects of DSME in comparison to usual diabetes care by family physicians.Setting: Family Medicine Clinic, AKUH, Nairobi.Methods: Non-blinded randomised clinical trial among sub-optimally controlled (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 8%) type 2 diabetes patients. The intervention was DSME by CDE plus usual care versus usual care from family physicians. Primary outcome was mean difference in HbA1c after six months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure and body mass index.Results: A total of 220 diabetes patients were screened out of which 140 met the eligibility criteria and were randomised. Around 96 patients (69%) completed the study; 55 (79%) in the DSME group and 41 (59%) in the usual care group. The baseline mean age and HbA1c of all patients were 48.8 (standard deviation [SD]: 9.8) years and 9.9% (SD: 1.76%), respectively. After a 6-month follow-up, no significant difference was noted in the primary outcome (HbA1c) between the two groups, with a mean difference of 0.37 (95% confidence interval: -0.45 to 1.19; p = 0.37). DSME also made no remarkable change in any of the secondary outcome measures.Conclusion: From this study, short-term biomedical benefits of a structured educational approach seemed to be limited. This suggested that offering a short, intensified education programme might have limited additional benefit above and beyond the family physicians’ comprehensive approach in managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

scholarly journals An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner-Community Pharmacist Team-Based Approach to Managing Hypertension in a Rural Community Pharmacy

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher P. Parker ◽  
Sherry L. Kelchen ◽  
William R. Doucette
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Community Pharmacist ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Registered Nurse ◽  
Original Research ◽  
The Core ◽  
Medicine Clinic

Purpose: To evaluate the implementation of an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) – community pharmacist team-based collaborative model for managing hypertension in a rural, Midwestern, community pharmacy and family medicine clinic using the core functions of the patient centered medical home model (PCMH). Methods: Thirteen patients with uncontrolled hypertension, 5 of who were newly diagnosed, were referred to the pharmacist by the ARNP. The pharmacist rechecked the patient’s blood pressure (BP) every 2 weeks after referral and made drug therapy change recommendations to the ARNP if the patient was not below goal. Results: Following the intervention, the average SBP and DBP decreased 24 mmHg and 12mmHg, respectively. The pharmacists made 21 recommendations (dose increase (11), add a medication (6), change a medication (2), and addition of an adherence tool (2)), 100% of which were accepted by the ARNP. Conclusion: A team-based approach to managing hypertension in a rural community pharmacy and family medicine clinic was an effective way to lower blood pressure. In addition, the core functions of the PCMH model can be delivered in a small family medicine practice. Creating specific expectations for each member of the team prior to referring patients improved the efficiency of the intervention.   Type: Original Research

Editorial

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-2
Author(s):  
Chris Roseveare ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Favourable Outcome ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
High Stakes ◽  
Acute Medicine ◽  
Acute Medical Unit ◽  
Area Of Interest

The nature of Acute Medicine requires physicians to make ‘high stakes’ decisions on a regular basis. The constant pressure to create space within a busy Acute Medical Unit needs to be weighed up against the dangers of missing serious pathology due to a premature discharge. A visit to the Coroner’s court or the fear of litigation may make us more cautious, but even the most cautious physician will ‘get it wrong’ on occasions. Case reports submitted to this journal frequently highlight these dangers; rare or serious pathology masquerading as a common or benign illness, followed by an unexpected deterioration, is a regular theme. Early Warning Scores have helped to improve safety for those patients who remain in hospital – Katherine Rowe’s article on p8 discusses the value of Critical Care Outreach in supporting this process. However neither of these innovations is of use for those patients discharged home. The ability to provide early AMU-based follow-up clinics is an important element in reducing risk for this group. The case report on p24 from the team at Hutt Valley Hospital in New Zealand illustrates the value of early reassessment following discharge. In this case the diagnosis of lead poisoning was not considered as a cause for the patient’s myalgia at the time of admission – an understandable ‘miss’, given the apparent chest x-ray abnormality. However, early outpatient CT with follow-up enabled revisitation of the history and the correct diagnosis was made – with a favourable outcome. As finances become stretched over the coming months there will be pressure to reduce hospital follow-up visits. However any drive from Primary Care Trusts to reduce AMU follow-up clinics as a cost-saving measure needs to be resisted if we are to optimise the safety and efficiency of our service. On a different note, I am grateful to those of you who completed the on-line journal survey which was circulated to Society for Acute Medicine members earlier this year. I will aim to include a summary of the results in the next edition. The free-text sections have generated a number of interesting ideas, which we will try to incorporate into future editions on the journal. Many respondents indicated that they would like to see inclusion of more original research; however we remain dependent on submissions we receive, which explains the predominance of case reports in this, and previous, editions. The content of the journal can only be as good as the material we receive, so please keep the submissions coming, particularly AMU-based research projects and completed audits. I am also keen to expand the pool of expert referees for future articles. If any readers would like to contribute to this process, I would be grateful if you could contact me directly at the email address shown on this page, indicating your particular area of interest or expertise.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION OF PATIENTS WHO APPLIED TO THE AMBULATORY OF GENERAL PRACTICE - FAMILY MEDICINE

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 938-941
Author(s):  
Оlexander Ye. Kononov ◽  
Liliana V. Klymenko ◽  
Ganna V. Batsiura ◽  
Larysa F. Matiukha ◽  
Olha V. Protsiuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Medicine ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Medical Documentation ◽  
Aged Patients ◽  
Family Doctors ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Medicine Clinic ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
The Family

Introduction: In today’s realities of health care reform in Ukraine family doctors play a leading role. The aim of our work was to analyze the medical cards of patients who applied for medical care to the family medicine clinic. Materials and methods: It was analyzed outpatient medical cards of 87 patients who applied to the family medicine clinic in the Khotov village, Kyiv region. The study included people aged 18 to 60 years, which corresponded to the groups of young and middle ages according to the WHO classification. Review: Our findings indicate the prevalence of functional changes among young people: somatoform dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system - 9 (37,5%) and the development of organic manifestations at middle-aged patients: arterial hypertension - 32 (62,7%) and coronary artery disease - 17 (33,3%). Conclusions: This study is important for determining the risk groups, early diagnosis and prevention of diseases.

scholarly journals Diabetes Risk Factors and Testing in a Family Medicine Clinic

2006 ◽  
Vol 163 (suppl_11) ◽  
pp. S185-S185
Author(s):  
F.J Dallo ◽  
S.C Weller ◽  
A.R Cass
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Diabetes Risk ◽  
Diabetes Risk Factors ◽  
Medicine Clinic

scholarly journals Impact of pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation patient education and telephone follow-up on transitions of care: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamis R. Karaoui ◽  
Elsy Ramia ◽  
Hanine Mansour ◽  
Nisrine Haddad ◽  
Nibal Chamoun
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Bleeding Event ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is limited published data in Lebanon evaluating the impact of supplemental education for anticoagulants use, especially DOACs, on clinical outcomes such as bleeding. The study aims to assess the impact of pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation education and follow-up on bleeding and readmission rates. Methods This study was a randomized, non-blinded interventional study conducted between August 2017 and July 2019 in a tertiary care teaching Lebanese hospital. Participants were inpatients ≥18 years discharged on an oral anticoagulant for treatment. Block randomization was used. The control group received the standard nursing counseling while the intervention group additionally received pharmacy counseling. Phone call follow-ups were done on day 3 and 30 post-discharge. Primary outcomes included readmission rates and any bleeding event at day 3 and 30 post-discharge. Secondary outcomes included documented elements of education in the medical records and reported mortality upon day 30 post-discharge. Results Two hundred patients were recruited in the study (100 patients in each study arm) with a mean age of 73.9 years. In the pharmacist-counseled group, more patients contacted their physician within 3 days (14% versus 4%; p = 0.010), received explicit elements of education (p < 0.001) and documentation in the chart was better (p < 0.05). In the standard of care group, patients were more aware of their next physician appointment date (52% versus 31%, p < 0.001). No difference in bleeding rates at day 3 and 30 post-discharge was observed between the groups. Conclusions Although pharmacist-conducted anticoagulation education did not appear to reduce bleeding or readmission rates at day 30, pharmacist education significantly increased patient communication with their providers in the early days post-discharge. Trial registration Lebanon Clinical Trial Registry LBCTR2020033424. Retrospectively registered. Date of registration: 06/03/2020.

scholarly journals Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects in the Knee: A Follow-up Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098187
Author(s):  
Justus Gille ◽  
Ellen Reiss ◽  
Moritz Freitag ◽  
Jan Schagemann ◽  
Matthias Steinwachs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Defect Size ◽  
Lysholm Score ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
Cartilage Defects ◽  
Chondral Defects ◽  
The Mean

Background: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a well-established treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of AMIC for the treatment of chondral lesions of the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A multisite prospective registry recorded demographic data and outcomes for patients who underwent repair of chondral defects. In total, 131 patients were included in the study. Lysholm, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were used for outcome analysis. Across all patients, the mean ± SD age of patients was 36.6 ± 11.7 years. The mean body weight was 80.0 ± 16.8 kg, mean height was 176.3 ± 7.9 cm, and mean defect size was 3.3 ± 1.8 cm2. Defects were classified as Outerbridge grade III or IV. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes across all time points. Results: The median follow-up time for the patients in this cohort was 4.56 ± 2.92 years. Significant improvement ( P < .001) in all scores was observed at 1 to 2 years after AMIC, and improved values were noted up to 7 years postoperatively. Among all patients, the mean preoperative Lysholm score was 46.9 ± 19.6. At the 1-year follow-up, a significantly higher mean Lysholm score was noted, with maintenance of the favorable outcomes at 7-year follow-up. The KOOS also showed a significant improvement of postoperative values compared with preoperative data. The mean VAS had significantly decreased during the 7-year follow-up. Age, sex, and defect size did not have a significant effect on the outcomes. Conclusion: AMIC is an effective method of treating chondral defects of the knee and leads to reliably favorable results up to 7 years postoperatively.

Focal vasculitic myositis as a primary manifestation of Behçet’s disease: a case series of 10 Korean patients in a locomotive medicine clinic

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Du Hwan Kim ◽  
Sun Woong Kim ◽  
Seung Mi Yeo ◽  
Min-Soo Kang ◽  
Young Cheol Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Therapy ◽  
Behcet’S Disease ◽  
Behçet's Disease ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Oral Steroid ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Behcet's Disease ◽  
Medicine Clinic ◽  
Oral Steroid Therapy

Abstract Objectives Muscle involvement in Behçet’s disease (BD) is rare, and several cases have been reported in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings in adult patients presenting with BD-associated myositis before the diagnosis of BD. Methods We retrospectively screened patients who visited a locomotive medicine clinic presenting with myalgia, local swelling, or tenderness of extremities without an established diagnosis of BD. We enrolled patients whose pain in the extremities was proven to be suggestive of focal vasculitic myositis and who were eventually diagnosed as having BD at the initial visit or during follow-up. We thoroughly reviewed the clinical, histological and imaging findings and treatment outcomes in patients who presented with focal vasculitic myositis as the primary manifestation of BD. Results Ten adult patients with focal vasculitic myositis as the primary manifestation of BD were enrolled. The lower and upper extremities were affected in eight and two patients, respectively. The affected lower extremities were the calf (n = 6) and thigh muscles (n = 2). The common findings of MRI included high signal intensity of the affected muscles and intermuscular fascia on fat-suppressed images, suggestive of myofascitis and oedematous changes in the subcutaneous layer. The results of skin or muscle biopsy were suggestive of vasculitis. All the patients were pain-free at the short-term follow-up (1–3 weeks) after oral steroid therapy. Conclusion Focal vasculitic myositis can be a primary manifestation of BD warranting medical attention. BD-associated myositis responds well to oral steroid therapy.

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