Patient Portals Can Be Effective for Patient Engagement – If Clinicians Are on Board
I wrote my first patient portal site, built into my first EMR software, back in 1998. At that time I mistakenly thought that portals would take off and patients would embrace them. What I quickly…
Why You Need a Five-Year Timeframe to Build a Brand
Until recently, the concept of “brand” or “brand building” has not been too important for physician practices, medical groups or hospitals. Only a few healthcare entities took branding seriously in their marketing…
Don’t Like the Sound of ACOs? Here’s an Alternative
Most experts agree that it’s still too early yet to know for sure if ACOs will succeed, but many who are poised for its failure have started designing alternatives. One…
Expansion of Medicare Rewards Adds Key Tool to Drive Behavior Change
Follows ObamaCare and Expands Use of Rewards and Incentives for Medicare Follows ObamaCare and Expands Use of Rewards and Incentives for MedicareOne of the least publicized but most welcome changes…
Big Party Candidates and Globe Don’t Get It on Tech
Jeff McCormick (I), candidate for Governor of Massachusetts Jeff McCormick (I), candidate for Governor of MassachusettsThe Boston Globe (No innovative sparks as Baker, Coakley address tech audience) has a harsh take on…
Collaborative Metrics in Healthcare
I entitled this post “Collaborative Metrics,” because, during my ACHE seminar, Practical Strategies for Engaging Physicians, a healthcare executive said, “If we convert from fee-for-service too soon, we stand to…
Helping Patients Protect Their Own Personal Health Information
Last week I was leaving a meeting at a large hospital when I saw a patient record sitting on top of the payment machine in the parking garage. Incredibly this…
Which Medical Specialty Should Medical Students Choose?
A medical student recently asked my advice on her decision to pursue a career in dermatology. It was about 25 years ago when my own parents encouraged me to pursue…
Online Messaging Can Improve Support Group Relationships
Support groups bring together people with common challenges, such as Parkinson’s Disease, weight loss and rare disorders and an infinite variety of other issues. A weekly meeting may not be enough…
The Doctor Will Skype You Now: Changing How We Go to the Doctor
With flu season upon us, healthcare providers and patients alike are gearing up for a busy time of year in the office. With flu season upon us, healthcare providers and…
